What is a Prosthodontist & How Do You Know if You Need to See One?

January 20, 2026

a prosthodontist pointing at a digital model of a mouth

Did you know that there are currently 12 recognized dental specialties within the dental field? Each of these advanced areas of study require advanced training and certifications, as well as rigorous examination through certifying boards. One of the lesser-known dental specialties is prosthodontics, which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment planning and rehabilitation of patients who are suffering from tooth loss. To learn more about what a prosthodontist in East Longmeadow does and whether you could benefit from seeing one, continue reading below!

Do Prosthodontists Have Additional Training Compared to Dentists?

Dental specialists have to do all of the same training a general dentist needs to as well as an extended residency program in their area of expertise. Prosthodontists complete four years of dental school as well as an extended three-year residency program where they focus on treating and diagnosing dental concerns related to tooth loss.

Most prosthodontists train under knowledgeable specialists and also achieve Board-Certification through the American Board of Prosthodontics. Other professional organizations, such as the American College of Prosthodontists, also offer advanced courses that allow specialists to achieve Fellowship status. These distinguishments require rigorous examination and presentation of cases among a board of peers to achieve.

What Services Do Prosthodontists Specialize In?

Prosthodontists specialize in the repairing and replacement of natural teeth. They can provide restorations and prosthetics that are superior quality, making them the perfect people to go to for the following services:

  • Veneers
  • Dental implants
  • Traditional dentures
  • Dental bridges
  • Full mouth rehabilitation/smile makeovers

Due to their advanced training and eye for esthetic detail, they’re able to restore both the function and appearance of smiles with these services.

How Can You Tell if You Should See a Prosthodontist?

General dentists offer a majority of the same services as prosthodontists do, but they don’t have the same training. So, how can you tell whether you need to schedule a consultation with a specialist? If you’re dealing with complex issues, including bite problems that are leading to worn-down restorations, ill-fitting dentures, or you’ve had difficult wearing a prosthetic in the past, you may want to invest in the best by visiting a prosthodontist. By going to someone that has a much more in-depth understanding of the treatment of tooth loss and dental damage, you can rest assured that you’ll receive long-lasting and incredibly high-quality results.

If you’re on the fence about whether to receive care from a prosthodontist in East Longmeadow, the best place to start is with a consultation. You can see some of the results that they have achieved for their other patients by looking at their portfolio as well as learn more about their unique expertise by asking them your questions in person!

About the Practice

At EMA Dental, we have two Board-Certified Prosthodontists on-staff who have decades of experience and are deeply committed to providing the highest quality results to their patients. With a comprehensive menu of dental services offered, as well as the convenience of having specialists and general dentists on the same team, our patients don’t have to worry about traveling to different practices for the care they require. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 413-731-8800.