What is a Prosthodontist trained to do?

Prosthodontists receive training in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating many diverse and complex dental conditions while restoring optimum function and esthetics: Crowns, Bridges, Dentures/Partial Dentures, Dental Implants, Inlays/Onlays, Veneers, TMJ & Jaw/Joint Problems, Traumatic Injuries to the Mouth, Congenital Oral Defects, Bruxism, Sleep Disorders, and Oral Cancer Reconstruction and Continuing Care.

Extensive training and experience provide prosthodontists with a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth and the creation of tooth replacements.

Prosthodontic programs are very strict and standardized throughout the country and extremely difficult to get into.

Why would my dentist refer me to a prosthodontist?

A general dentist might refer you to a prosthodontist if you have complex dental problems that he/she may not feel comfortable treating.

What is the difference between a general dentist and a prosthodontist - and also a prosthodontist vs. a board certified prosthodontist?

The Prosthodontist is the trained specialist in more complex procedures whose expertise has been strictly supervised in a clinical setting. A Board Certified Prosthodontist has proven expertise and can provide an extremely high level of care to patients with missing teeth, or to those who have significant damage to their existing teeth.

What is FACP?

FACP stands for Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. It is a title given to active members of the ACP who are Board Certified Prosthodontists.

What is Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics?

Diplomate is a title given to prosthodontists who successfully complete the exams given by the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP). Diplomates, like Dr. MacPherson, are required to have a dental degree (DDS or DMD), have completed an additional three years of an accredited prosthodontic specialty certification program, and then go on to take a rigorous national certification exam and present multiple cases of their work to a panel of experts. Then, to maintain certification, they must continually demonstrate competency through attending scientific lectures and by taking a regular examination on the latest technology and research.

For what conditions or problems should I see a Prosthodontist?

Here are some reasons why you would see a Prosthodontist:

You want to Restore or Enhance Your Smile and Facial Tissues
You want to Restore or Improve Chewing, Speech and Digestion
You have Joint Pain or Bite Problems Caused by a Lost or Missing Tooth
You have a Prostheses that is Uncomfortable, Insecure or not Functioning Properly
You have broken, Chipped, Missing, Crooked, or Misshapen Teeth
You have unwanted or uneven Spaces Between Teeth
You want to strengthen a Tooth
Your teeth are Cracking or Breaking
You want to Improve the Cosmetic Appearance of your Teeth
You want to fix Teeth that are Excessively Worn or Decayed
You have Fluorosis or Excessively Stained Teeth
You have Lost all Your Teeth in Your Upper or Lower Jaw or both jaws
You have Fractured or Large Fillings

What is "Cosmetic Dentistry"?

There is no recognized specialty called "Cosmetic Dentistry". Prosthodontics is the only dental specialty under which the concentration of cosmetic or esthetic dentistry falls. [source: www.ada.org]

What is "Dental Implantology"?

There is no recognized specialty in "Dental Implantology". Prosthodontists are trained specialists in dental implants and reconstruction – with many years of advanced training and patient care under strict supervision in a hospital residency to master these techniques. An ABP certified Prosthodontist has proven expertise in Dental Implant treatment.