You've been referred to a prosthodontist. That sounds complicated — and in a way, it is. This is a specialist in rebuilding and replacing teeth. Here's when their expertise makes a real difference.

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional training in the restoration and replacement of teeth. They handle crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, and complex full-mouth reconstructions.

The word comes from "prosthesis" — an artificial device that replaces something missing. Prosthodontists are the architects of tooth replacement.

Prosthodontists plan and carry out treatments that involve rebuilding damaged teeth or replacing missing ones. This includes fitting crowns and bridges, designing and fitting complete and partial dentures, and planning dental implant cases.

They also manage complex cases where someone needs multiple teeth replaced or an entire jaw reconstructed — often after trauma, cancer surgery, or severe wear.

Your dentist might refer you to a prosthodontist when the case is beyond routine restorative work. If you need multiple crowns, a complex bridge, or full dentures, their expertise ensures the best outcome.

They also get involved when other treatments have failed, or when cosmetic and functional outcomes need to be precisely planned.

Many dentists are perfectly capable of providing crowns, bridges, and dentures to an excellent standard. Your dentist will refer you when the complexity warrants a specialist approach — not because they can't help, but because you'll get a better result with someone who does this specific work every day.

The prosthodontist will assess your mouth thoroughly, take impressions or scans, and discuss your options. They'll explain what's involved, how long treatment takes, and what the costs are. Planning is thorough because the details matter enormously in prosthodontics.

If you're missing teeth or need significant rebuilding, we're happy to talk through whether a referral to a prosthodontist is right for you — or whether we can help in practice.