What is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a registered dental specialist in restoring and replacing teeth. Prosthodontists restore teeth that have been damaged, worn or broken down, and replace teeth that have been lost, using custom-made restorations and prostheses such as crowns, bridges, veneers, implant restorations and dentures. This work ranges from a single tooth through to cases where several treatments need to be planned and carried out together.
Prosthodontists complete several years of additional study and training after qualifying as a dentist, focusing on both the mechanics of restorative work and the assessment and management of restorations that have failed or become problematic.
Contact us
How prosthodontic and periodontal care work together
Restorations and replacement teeth rely on healthy gums and bone for their foundation, so periodontal (gum) health is closely tied to restorative work. Where gum disease or bone loss is present, treating it is often an important step before, or alongside, restoring or replacing teeth. A crown, bridge, denture or implant is more likely to succeed when the tissues supporting it are healthy.
The periodontal treatment may be carried out by your own dentist, or a periodontist, and the prosthodontist designs and fits the restoration once the foundation is sound. The two work from a shared plan, so the gum treatment and the restorative treatment fit together rather than being handled in isolation.
How your care connects with other clinicians
Restoring a tooth after root canal treatment
A tooth that has had root canal (endodontic) treatment has often lost a substantial portion of its natural structure, leaving it more prone to fracture. This is particularly the case for back teeth, which take heavy chewing forces every day. For this reason, a root-treated tooth frequently needs a crown, or a post and core followed by a crown, to protect it and restore its strength and function.
Root canal treatment is only worthwhile on a tooth that can ultimately be restored, and it is valuable to assess whether enough sound tooth structure remains to support a lasting restoration before treatment. A prosthodontist is well placed to make that judgement and to advise whether restoring the tooth is realistic, or whether other options are worth considering before endodontic work goes ahead.
The root canal treatment itself is carried out by your dentist or an endodontist; the prosthodontist provides the restoration that protects the tooth afterwards. Restoring the tooth soon after root canal treatment helps reduce the risk of it fracturing, so it is important to discuss the plan for protecting the tooth early. Not every root-treated tooth needs a crown, and your prosthodontist will advise on what is appropriate for your particular circumstances.
When orthodontics is part of the plan
Sometimes teeth need to be in a better position before they can be restored or replaced well. In certain cases, orthodontic treatment is used to prepare for restorative work: to create the correct amount of space before replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge, or to position teeth so that crowns or veneers can be placed with less risk. In more complex or worn cases, moving the teeth into a better position can be part of the overall plan before restoring them.
The orthodontic treatment is carried out by an orthodontist; the prosthodontist plans the restorative goals together with them so the teeth are moved to where the final restoration needs them to be. Orthodontics is only relevant to some cases, and most restorative treatment does not involve it. Where it is worth considering, your prosthodontist will discuss it as part of your options.
Reconstruction after oral and maxillofacial surgery
Prosthodontists also work alongside oral and maxillofacial surgeons and oral surgeons in the care of patients who have had surgery to the mouth or jaws, for example after facial trauma, or after surgery to treat a cyst, tumour or other condition. Where such surgery changes the structure of the mouth, restoring form and function is a specialised part of prosthodontic care.
This can involve rehabilitating the teeth and bite after reconstructive surgery, or making prostheses that restore areas affected by surgery, helping with eating, speech and appearance. The surgery is carried out by the surgeon; the prosthodontist plans and provides the prosthetic rehabilitation, usually working closely with the surgical team and often over a period of time. These are individual and complex cases, and the plan is tailored to each patient’s circumstances.
Working with your dentist and other specialists
Prosthodontic care often connects with the work of a patient’s general dentist and other specialists, among them periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, special needs dentists, specialist paediatric dentist, oral surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. We work closely with referring dentists and specialists, and keep them informed with a clear report on treatment and any maintenance a patient will need. Patients referred for prosthodontic care return to their own dentist for ongoing general care.
Your first appointment
You do not need a referral to see the prosthodontist. You are welcome to arrange an examination directly. Many patients are referred by their own dentist or another specialist, and referrals are always welcome, but a referral is not required to make an appointment. If you have been referred, bringing any information, scans or x-rays your dentist has provided can be helpful at your first visit.
The first appointment is an assessment and discussion, not treatment. The prosthodontist examines your teeth, gums and bite, reviews your dental and medical history, and takes any records needed, which may include photographs, scans or x-rays. You will then talk through what is going on, the options available, and what each involves, so you can make an informed decision. A written plan and quote are usually provided after the initial examination so you can consider it before deciding.
Prosthodontic treatment is individual, so fees depend on what your particular case involves: the number of teeth, the materials, the number of appointments and whether other care is needed. Thus, we do not quote fixed prices online. Instead, we provide a written, itemised, and personalised quote before any treatment begins, so you know the cost in advance and there are no surprises. The quote sets out each stage and what it involves, and we are happy to talk it through with you.
Your health fund may provide benefits depending on your policy and level of cover. Relevant item numbers are provided on your quote and account so you can check directly with your fund what benefits may apply.
Most prosthodontic treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic and is well tolerated. Many people experience anxiety about dental treatment; let us know if this applies to you, and the prosthodontist can talk through what to expect and how your comfort will be managed. Understanding each step in advance is often the thing that helps most.
For some patients, treatment can also be carried out under intravenous (IV) sedation. The sedation itself is administered and monitored by a separately qualified sedationist, not by the prosthodontist, while the prosthodontist carries out the dental treatment. Sedation is not suitable for everyone, and whether it is appropriate depends on your medical history and the treatment planned, so it is assessed on an individual basis. If this is something you would like to consider, mention it and it can be discussed as part of your assessment.
Patients with additional needs are welcome. How we can best help depends on the individual and the treatment involved, so this is assessed on a case-by-case basis, including, where appropriate, arranging treatment with sedation. If you or the person you care for has particular needs, let us know ahead of the appointment so suitable arrangements can be made.
As with any dental or medical treatment, prosthodontic treatment has benefits and limitations, and some procedures carry risks. Part of the planning process is discussing these with you honestly: what a treatment can achieve, what it cannot, and any risks relevant to your situation, so that you can give informed consent and make the choice that is right for you.
Frequently asked questions
A prosthodontist is a registered dental specialist who has completed several years of additional study and training in restoring and replacing teeth: crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, dentures and full-mouth rehabilitation. They often manage more complex cases, or cases where several treatments need to be planned together.
No. You are welcome to arrange an assessment directly, without a referral. Referrals from dentists and other specialists are also welcome, but they are not required.
Fees depend on your individual case, so we do not publish fixed prices. You will receive a written, itemised and personalised quote before any treatment begins. Your health fund may provide benefits depending on your policy and level of cover, and relevant item numbers will be included so you can check directly with your fund.
It varies by treatment. A single crown usually takes a number of appointments over a few weeks; implant treatment involves healing time and generally extends over several months; and complex full-mouth or full-arch treatment can extend over most of or over a year. Your prosthodontist will explain the likely timeframe for your case at the planning stage.
Implant treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic. Individual experiences and postoperative discomfort vary. Your clinician will explain what to expect, how discomfort can be managed and what aftercare may be required. If you feel anxious, let us know so this can be discussed as part of your treatment planning.
With good daily care and regular check-ups, well-made restorations can give many years of service, but they are not immune to wear, damage or decay of the tooth beneath, and no restoration can be guaranteed to last a fixed length of time. Looking after them at home as guided by your prosthodontist, and seeing your dentist regularly gives your restorations the best chance of lasting.
For some patients, treatment can be carried out under intravenous (IV) sedation. The sedation is given and monitored by a separately qualified sedationist, not by the prosthodontist, while the prosthodontist does the dental treatment. It is not suitable for everyone and depends on your medical history and the treatment planned, so it is assessed individually. Let us know if you would like to consider sedation as part of your treatment.
Often, yes, especially for back teeth. A root-treated tooth has usually lost some of its structure and can be more prone to fracture, so a crown is frequently recommended to protect it. Not every root-treated tooth needs one, though; your prosthodontist will advise based on how much tooth structure remains and where the tooth sits.
Your health fund may provide benefits depending on your policy and level of cover. Your quote and account will include the relevant item numbers so you can check directly with your fund what benefits may apply.
Experience & ExpertisePatient Referrals
Patient referrals are always welcome, although they are not required. We work closely with referring dentists and provide care only for the stages requested. Clear reports are provided, and patients return to their general dentist for ongoing care.
Enquire Online Patient Referrals
