Why Choose a Prosthodontist Over a General Dentist?

So, you need a dentist—but should you see a general dentist or a prosthodontist? If you’re just looking for a routine cleaning, does it even matter? And what is a prosthodontist, anyway?

At Rockingham Prosthodontics in Harrisonburg, VA, Dr. Rigby offers everything from basic checkups to full-mouth restorations. Let’s break down the differences and help you decide which is best for your smile.

What Exactly is a Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is basically a dental architect—they specialize in rebuilding, restoring, and replacing teeth. Think of them as the go-to experts for complex dental work, including:

Dental Implants: Whether you’re missing one tooth or a whole set, implants bring back function and confidence.

Crowns & Bridges: When teeth need a little extra reinforcement, these restorations do the trick.

Dentures: Custom, comfortable, and natural-looking options (goodbye, awkward, ill-fitting dentures!).

Full-Mouth Reconstruction: For those who need a total dental makeover.

TMJ Treatment: Chronic jaw pain? They’ve got solutions.

Regular Cleanings & Exams: Yep, they do those too!

Prosthodontists go through three extra years of advanced training beyond dental school, making them the top-tier specialists in dental restoration.

How is a Prosthodontist Different From a General Dentist?

Both general dentists and prosthodontists help keep your smile in check, but their areas of expertise differ.

General Dentists:

Great for routine care like cleanings, fillings, and minor cosmetic work.

Can handle basic crowns, bridges, and dentures, but may refer complicated cases to a specialist.

Prosthodontists (Like Dr. Rigby):

Do everything a general dentist does, plus specialize in complex restorations.

Have advanced training in dental implants, full-mouth reconstructions, and TMJ treatments.

If you need a simple filling, a general dentist works just fine. But if you want high-quality, long-lasting restorative work (or a dentist who can do it all), a prosthodontist is the way to go.

When Should You See a Prosthodontist?

If you’re wondering whether a prosthodontist is right for you, here are a few signs:

You need a routine checkup and want a dentist with extra expertise.

You’re missing teeth and want the best replacement option.

Your dentures don’t fit right (or you just hate them).

You have old dental work that isn’t holding up.

You have chronic jaw pain or bite issues.

Comprehensive Dental Care At Rockingham Prosthodontics In Harrisonburg, VA

At Rockingham Prosthodontics, Dr. Rigby and his team offer everything from cleanings to complex restorations—all in one place. Whether you need a basic exam or a full smile transformation, we’ve got you covered.

Why settle for ordinary when you can get expert-level care? Call us today to schedule an appointment!

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