There are numerous pediatric dentists in most cities and towns. They work hard to help you keep your children's teeth healthy and white. While these men and women provide excellent dental care, there may be times your child or children may need the specialized care provided by a Pediatric Prosthodontist. But what is the role of a Prosthodontist, and who benefits from their services? Read on for more information.
What Is a Prosthodontist?
A Prosthodontist is a dentist who has spent three to five years following their graduation from dental school learning how to treat teeth that are no longer there or permanent teeth your child is getting ready to lose. They practice a unique form of pediatric dentistry.
These dentists understand the importance and dynamics of a healthy smile and work hard to restore your child's mouth through tooth creation and replacement. Some of the numerous procedures they perform include the following:
- Extractions
- Implants
- Periodontal treatments
- Endodontic treatments
Prosthodontists often coordinate with other doctors and dentists to create customized appliances for children with aesthetic or functional needs. Depending on your child's needs, some of their colleagues may include:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Orthodontists
- Endodontists
- Periodontists
- Pediatric dentists
Pediatric Prosthodontists can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. It varies depending on your child's needs.
Why Is Pediatric Prosthodontics Important?
Your teeth do much more than help you chew your food. They are also an essential component of your communication process. Without teeth, people often find it challenging to make certain letter sounds which can hamper how well their speech patterns form or how well they are understood.
Missing teeth not only cause communication issues but can cause self-esteem issues. Children with missing teeth are often picked on or bullied. Missing teeth can also cause bone loss, gum damage, and inadequate jawbone growth.
Who Benefits from the Services of a Pediatric Prosthodontist?
Numerous children benefit from the services of a Pediatric Prosthodontist. Some patients include:
- Children born with cleft lips or cleft palates
- Children whose teeth are affected by chemotherapy or radiation
- Children born with hypodontia, or missing teeth
- Children involved in accidents
Other patients may be children with severe cases of bottlemouth syndrome or other conditions that cause severe decay that affect the child's permanent teeth.
If your child needs a pediatric prosthodontist like New England Dental Specialists of Norwood, your pediatric dentist will refer you. They will work together to ensure they meet your child's dental needs.
