Why See a Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dentist with advanced specialty training in restoring and replacing teeth. Patients commonly see a prosthodontist for missing teeth, severely worn or damaged teeth, dental implants, dentures, crowns, bridges, cosmetic concerns, and complex treatment involving the function and appearance of the smile.

At Smiles of Orlando in Ocoee, Florida, prosthodontist Javier E. Martinez, DDS, MS, provides comprehensive treatment planning and restorative care for patients from Ocoee, Orlando, Winter Garden, Windermere, Clermont, and surrounding Central Florida communities.

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What Is Prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics, sometimes called prosthetic dentistry, is a recognized dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and long-term maintenance of oral function, comfort, health, and appearance.

Prosthodontists have advanced knowledge of how the teeth, gums, jaws, bite, and replacement teeth work together. This comprehensive perspective is especially valuable when treatment involves multiple teeth, extensive damage, missing teeth, dental implants, or a combination of functional and cosmetic concerns.

Book your visit with Dr. Martinez in Ocoee, FL today! Request an Appointment

When Should You See a Prosthodontist?

You may benefit from seeing a prosthodontist if you:

• Are missing one or more teeth
• Need dental implants
• Need complete or partial dentures
• Have severely worn, fractured, or damaged teeth
• Need several dental crowns or dental bridges
• Have difficulty chewing because of missing teeth or problems with your bite
• Are considering a complex cosmetic or restorative treatment plan
• Have undergone dental treatment that requires correction or replacement
• Need coordinated care involving several dental procedures
• Are considering a full-mouth reconstruction

What Education and Training Does a Prosthodontist Complete?

After earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, a prosthodontist completes approximately three additional years of advanced specialty education through a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

This postgraduate education includes extensive training in diagnosis, comprehensive treatment planning, dental implants, crowns, bridges, complete and partial dentures, dental materials, bite relationships, esthetics, and the rehabilitation of complex dental conditions.

Dr. Martinez completed a three-year prosthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Master of Science in Dentistry and a Certificate in Prosthodontics. Learn more about Dr. Javier Martinez’s education and experience.

What Treatments Does a Prosthodontist Provide?

A prosthodontist can provide and coordinate treatments that restore the function, comfort, health, and appearance of a patient’s smile. Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may include:

• Dental implants
• Complete dentures
• Partial dentures
• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Porcelain veneers
• Restoration of worn, fractured, or damaged teeth
• Complex bite rehabilitation
• Full-mouth reconstruction

Prosthodontic treatment considers more than the appearance of individual teeth. The fit, stability, bite, chewing function, facial support, dental materials, and long-term maintainability of the restoration are also important parts of planning care.

What Is the Difference Between a Dentist and a Prosthodontist?

A general dentist provides preventive, diagnostic, restorative, and other routine dental services. A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialty training focused on restoring and replacing teeth and managing complex restorative cases.

Many patients continue to see their general dentist for routine care while working with a prosthodontist for specialized treatment. When appropriate, the prosthodontist can coordinate with the patient’s general dentist and other dental or medical professionals.

Why Choose Dr. Javier Martinez?

Dr. Martinez has advanced specialty education in prosthodontics and extensive experience diagnosing and treating complex restorative conditions. He develops individualized treatment plans designed to address each patient’s chief concerns while balancing oral health, function, comfort, and appearance.

Smiles of Orlando provides restorative, implant, and cosmetic dental care in one Ocoee location. This comprehensive approach can make it easier to coordinate multiple stages of treatment and maintain consistency throughout a complex rehabilitation.

How Much Does Prosthodontic Treatment Cost?

The cost of prosthodontic treatment depends on the patient’s condition, the number of teeth involved, the procedures selected, the materials used, and the complexity of care. A single crown, for example, will have a different cost than implant treatment or a full-mouth reconstruction.

Following an examination and diagnostic evaluation, our team will explain the recommended treatment options and their associated fees before treatment begins. We can also review applicable insurance benefits and available payment arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prosthodontists

Do I need a referral to see a prosthodontist?

A referral may not be necessary. Patients can contact Smiles of Orlando directly to request a prosthodontic consultation. If another dentist is involved in your care, Dr. Martinez can coordinate treatment with that provider when appropriate.

Does a prosthodontist only treat missing teeth?

No. Prosthodontists treat missing teeth as well as worn, broken, discolored, malformed, or extensively restored teeth. They also address complex bite, functional, and cosmetic concerns requiring comprehensive planning.

Can a prosthodontist provide dental implants?

Yes. Prosthodontists receive advanced training in planning and restoring dental implants. The appropriate implant treatment depends on the patient’s oral health, available bone, medical history, and tooth-replacement needs.

Schedule a Prosthodontic Consultation in Ocoee, FL

If you have missing, worn, damaged, or failing teeth, a consultation can help you understand your treatment options. Dr. Martinez welcomes patients from Ocoee, Orlando, Winter Garden, Windermere, Clermont, and throughout Central Florida.

Call Smiles of Orlando at (407) 656-8080 or request an appointment to schedule your consultation.