A patient of the practice, smiling
HomeWhat Is a Prosthodontist?

Prosthodontist vs Periodontist vs General Dentist

The specialist in replacing teeth.

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has trained for three more years in replacing and restoring teeth: implants, crowns, bridges, veneers and dentures. Here is how that differs from a general dentist and from a periodontist, and when it matters.

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3 yearsOf specialty training
FreeSecond opinions
DiplomateAmerican Board of Prosthodontics
The Short Answer

A prosthodontist rebuilds what is missing or broken.

Prosthodontics is one of the dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Its work is rebuilding and replacing teeth: dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, complete and partial dentures, and full-mouth rehabilitation. After dental school a prosthodontist trains for three more years in exactly this work, including the laboratory side of making it.

Dr. Esam Nahlah, board-certified prosthodontist
Board-certifiedDiplomate since 2013
Close-up of dental implant surgery, with a handpiece placing an implant post in the patient's mouth
More than 18,000Implants placed by Dr. Nahlah
A restored full arch
More than 15,000Full arches rebuilt
A trophy, illustrating the practice's award recognition
From 2003Years in practice

Dr. Esam Nahlah is board-certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Diplomate since 2013, and a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. He also teaches residents in the prosthodontics program at Virginia Commonwealth University, dentists in training to become prosthodontists.

Side by Side

General dentist, periodontist, prosthodontist.

Three kinds of dentist a patient with missing or failing teeth may meet, and what each one is trained for.

01

General dentist

Your first call for most dental care. A dentist who looks after everyday care for the whole family, and refers to a specialist when a case needs one.

  • Check-ups, cleanings and X-rays
  • Fillings and routine crowns
  • Spotting problems early
  • Refers complex cases to specialists
  • Dental degree: DDS or DMD
02

Periodontist

The specialist in the gums and the bone around teeth. Treats the tissues that hold teeth, and implants, in place: gum disease above all, and often implant placement.

  • Gum disease, from bleeding gums to advanced loss
  • Gum and bone grafting
  • Often places implants
  • The crown or arch on an implant often comes from another dentist
  • Specialty training after dental school
03

Prosthodontist

The specialist in replacing and restoring teeth. Plans the finished teeth first, then works back to the implants, crowns or dentures that build them.

  • Implants, crowns, bridges and veneers
  • Complete and partial dentures
  • Full-mouth rehabilitation
  • Trained in the laboratory work behind the teeth
  • Three years of specialty training after dental school
Meet Dr. Nahlah
When It Matters

When a prosthodontist is worth seeing.

A general dentist handles most care well. These are the cases where the specialty earns its keep.

A tooth model used to explain an extraction01 · Missing teeth

Several teeth missing or failing

Implants, bridges or a full arch, planned from the finished teeth backwards, so the implants land where the teeth need them.

A jaw model showing implant sites in the bone02 · Dentures

Dentures that will not stay put

A loose denture usually means receding bone. The fix is anchorage on implants, which a prosthodontist plans and restores.

An implant post held before placement03 · Second opinions

A complex plan, or a second opinion

If another dentist called your case too complex, or quoted for implant surgery elsewhere, bring the plan and the scan: a second opinion here costs nothing.

Dental implants
Questions

Prosthodontist questions, answered.

What is the difference between a prosthodontist and a periodontist?
A periodontist specializes in the gums and the bone that hold teeth, treating gum disease and often placing implants. A prosthodontist specializes in replacing and restoring the teeth themselves. At this practice the prosthodontist plans and places the implants and makes the teeth on them.
Is a prosthodontist better than a general dentist?
For everyday care, a general dentist is the right first call. For missing teeth, implants, dentures and full-mouth work, a prosthodontist has three more years of training in exactly that, which is why general dentists refer those cases to one.
Do I need a referral to see a prosthodontist?
You can book a consultation with Dr. Nahlah directly. Dentists who want to refer a patient can do so through the practice's referral page.For referring doctors →
What does board-certified mean for a prosthodontist?
That the prosthodontist has passed the examinations of the American Board of Prosthodontics and is a Diplomate of the Board. Dr. Nahlah became a Diplomate in 2013.Dr. Nahlah's credentials →
Does a prosthodontist place implants?
Many do. Dr. Nahlah plans, places and restores implants himself, so the surgery is planned around the teeth that go on top.Dental implants →
Where does Dr. Nahlah see patients?
At two offices: Suite 220, 7901 Jones Branch Drive in McLean, near Tysons Corner, and 2855 Duke Street in Alexandria.Contact and locations →

Where to go next.

Have a prosthodontist look at it.

A consultation with a cone-beam scan, and an honest answer about what your case needs.