A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who completed dental school (4 years) plus an additional 3-year ADA-accredited residency program focused exclusively on restoring and replacing teeth. The word comes from the Latin prostho (prosthetic/replacement) and dont (tooth).
Prosthodontics is one of only 12 dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). There are fewer than 3,500 prosthodontists in the United States — compared to more than 200,000 general dentists.
Quick definition: A prosthodontist has 7+ years of dental training (4 years dental school + 3-year specialty residency), focused on implants, crowns, full-arch restorations, and full-mouth rehabilitation. A general dentist has 4 years of training.
What Does a Prosthodontist Do?
Prosthodontists specialize in replacing and restoring teeth — especially complex cases involving multiple missing teeth, bone loss, or full-arch reconstruction. Their scope of practice includes:
- Dental implants — single tooth to full-arch (All-on-4, All-on-6)
- Implant-supported dentures and bridges
- Full-mouth rehabilitation — rebuilding bite function and aesthetics
- Complex crown and bridge work
- Complete and partial dentures
- Veneers and cosmetic reconstruction
- Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) treatment
- Maxillofacial prosthetics — for patients who've had cancer surgery, trauma, or birth defects
Prosthodontist vs. General Dentist: Key Differences
Both general dentists and prosthodontists can place dental implants — but their training, scope, and case complexity differ significantly.
| Capability | General Dentist | Prosthodontist |
|---|---|---|
| Training beyond dental school | 0 years | 3+ years (specialty residency) |
| Single tooth implants | ✓ (some do) | ✓ Core specialty |
| All-on-4 / full arch implants | Rarely | ✓ Core specialty |
| Bone grafting (in-house) | Varies | ✓ Typically in-house |
| Complex bite reconstruction | Limited | ✓ Core specialty |
| Full-mouth rehabilitation | Rarely | ✓ Core specialty |
| ADA board certification available | No | Yes — Diplomate of ABP |
When Should You See a Prosthodontist?
Not every dental situation requires a prosthodontist. Here's a practical guide:
See a prosthodontist if you have:
- Multiple missing teeth (3 or more)
- All teeth missing in one or both arches
- Significant bone loss requiring grafting before implants
- A history of failed implants
- Bite problems or jaw pain alongside tooth loss
- Complex cosmetic reconstruction needs
- Full-arch implants (All-on-4, All-on-6, implant-supported dentures)
A general dentist may be adequate if you have:
- One missing tooth with good surrounding bone
- Simple crown or bridge needs
- Routine preventive care and cleanings
Pro tip: Even for a single implant, a prosthodontist's expertise often produces a better aesthetic and functional outcome — particularly when the implant is in the front of the mouth where appearance matters most.
What Is a prosthodontist?
Board certification in prosthodontics is awarded by the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP). A prosthodontist (formally called a "Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics") has:
- Completed a 3-year ADA-accredited prosthodontic residency
- Passed a rigorous written and clinical examination process
- Demonstrated comprehensive clinical competency to a panel of examiners
- Maintained continuing education and certification requirements
Board certification is voluntary — not all prosthodontists pursue it. It represents an additional standard of verified excellence beyond residency completion alone.
How Many Prosthodontists Are There?
According to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), there are approximately 3,500 prosthodontists in the United States. By comparison, the American Dental Association reports over 200,000 active general dentists. This means prosthodontists represent less than 2% of practicing dental professionals.
In the Chicago metropolitan area (population ~9.5 million), there are an estimated 40–60 prosthodontists — making specialist-level implant care genuinely difficult to find.
Prosthodontist vs. Oral Surgeon vs. Periodontist for Implants
Three specialist types commonly place dental implants. Here's how they differ in focus:
| Specialist | Primary Focus | Implant Role |
|---|---|---|
| Prosthodontist | Restoring and replacing teeth | Implant placement AND final restoration — manages entire process |
| Oral Surgeon | Surgical procedures (extractions, jaw surgery) | Implant placement surgery; typically refers out for crown |
| Periodontist | Gum disease and supporting structures | Implant placement in bone; typically refers out for crown |
A key advantage of a prosthodontist: they can often manage the entire implant process in one office — from surgical placement to the final crown. Oral surgeons and periodontists typically place the implant post but refer patients back to another dentist for the final restoration, meaning multiple offices, multiple coordination points, and potential miscommunication.
About Dr. Ashraf M. Naser, prosthodontist
Dr. Naser is a prosthodontist practicing at Chicago Elite Implant Center in Woodridge, IL. He has placed over 5,000 dental implants and focuses exclusively on implant care — single implants, All-on-4, All-on-6, bone grafting, and sinus lifting, all performed in-house.
His practice serves patients from Woodridge, Naperville, Downers Grove, Lisle, Bolingbrook, and across DuPage and Will Counties. Free consultations with 3D cone beam CT imaging are available by appointment.