NYC Prosthodontist
What Does a Prosthodontist Do?
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist trained to restore damaged teeth and replace missing teeth. Prosthodontic care includes porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, implant restorations, and full-mouth reconstruction, with attention to appearance, comfort, and bite function.
At Tribeca Advanced Dentistry in Downtown Manhattan, Dr. Olga Malkin, DMD, FICOI provides prosthodontic care for patients seeking aesthetic improvements or treatment for complex dental problems. She completed a three-year prosthodontics residency at the UCLA-affiliated West Los Angeles VA Hospital after earning her dental degree.
General dentists also provide many restorative treatments. A prosthodontist’s additional specialty training focuses on planning and treating cases involving missing teeth, extensive tooth damage, complex restorations, and changes to the bite.
Planning and Coordinating Complex Dental Care
A prosthodontist considers how individual treatments fit into the overall health and function of the mouth. For patients who need several procedures, this includes determining the treatment sequence and coordinating care with other dental specialists.
Dr. Malkin develops individualized treatment plans at our Tribeca office and collaborates with the practice’s periodontist, oral surgeon, and other clinicians when needed. Depending on the patient’s condition, a plan may include:
- Restoring worn, fractured, or heavily restored teeth with dental crowns.
- Improving tooth shape and appearance with porcelain veneers.
- Replacing missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
- Combining restorative treatments in a smile makeover or full-mouth reconstruction.
- Evaluating existing dental work that is uncomfortable, damaged, or no longer meeting the patient’s needs.
The goal is a coordinated plan that addresses both the appearance of the smile and the way the teeth function together.
Is a Prosthodontist the Same as a Cosmetic Dentist?
Prosthodontics is a recognized dental specialty. Cosmetic dentistry describes treatments that improve the appearance of teeth; it is not a separate recognized dental specialty.
Both general dentists and dental specialists may offer cosmetic treatments. A prosthodontist completes additional specialty training in restoring and replacing teeth, including the relationship between aesthetics, bite function, and oral health.
For patients considering veneers, crowns, or a smile makeover, this training is particularly relevant when aesthetic concerns occur alongside worn teeth, missing teeth, extensive existing restorations, or a complex bite.
Dr. Malkin combines aesthetic and restorative treatment planning at Tribeca Advanced Dentistry, considering how proposed changes will affect the whole mouth.
What Is the Difference Between a Periodontist and a Prosthodontist?
A periodontist specializes in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. A prosthodontist specializes in restoring and replacing teeth.
Their roles often complement one another. A periodontist may address gum disease or the tissues supporting an implant, while a prosthodontist plans and provides the crown, bridge, or other restoration supported by the teeth or implants. Dental implant surgery may be performed by clinicians from either specialty who have the appropriate training.
At Tribeca Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Malkin works with the practice’s other specialists when a patient’s treatment requires both periodontal and restorative care.
When Should You See a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontic consultation may be helpful if you have several missing or damaged teeth, extensive tooth wear, problems with existing crowns or dentures, or questions about a complex treatment plan. You can also consult a prosthodontist about veneers, crowns, dental implants, or a smile makeover.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Olga Malkin at Tribeca Advanced Dentistry, 23 Warren Street, Suite 10, New York, NY 10007, in Tribeca, Downtown Manhattan.