17,433
Prosthodontists
100%
Accepting patients
57%
Most common: DDS
FindClarity lists 17,433 prosthodontists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is DDS (57%).
Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth. After four years of dental school (DDS or DMD), they complete an additional three years of residency training in prosthodontics, learning advanced techniques for dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, and full-mouth reconstruction. They are the dental specialists trained to handle the most complex restorative cases.
While general dentists place crowns and dentures routinely, prosthodontists handle cases that are more complicated: patients missing many teeth, those who need implant-supported prosthetics, people with jaw defects from cancer surgery or trauma, and anyone requiring a comprehensive treatment plan involving multiple types of restoration.
Prosthodontists also treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sleep apnea with oral appliances, and cleft palate cases. About 600 prosthodontists complete residency each year in the United States, making them one of the smaller dental specialties.
See a prosthodontist when you need complex dental restoration that goes beyond what a general dentist typically handles. This includes full-mouth reconstruction after years of decay or trauma, implant-supported dentures, dental implant placement and restoration, replacement of many missing teeth, cosmetic rehabilitation with veneers or crowns, jaw reconstruction after cancer surgery, and congenital conditions like missing teeth (hypodontia) or cleft palate. If your general dentist refers you, it is usually because the case involves multiple types of restoration or unusual anatomy.
An initial consultation lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The prosthodontist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw, take X-rays and possibly a CBCT (3D) scan, and create digital or physical impressions. They will explain your treatment options, often presenting a comprehensive plan with phased steps. Complex cases may require coordination with an oral surgeon (for bone grafts or implant placement), an orthodontist (for tooth alignment), or a periodontist (for gum treatment). Treatment timelines range from a few weeks for a single crown to 12 to 18 months for full-mouth rehabilitation with implants.
Crown: $800-1,500 · Single dental implant with crown: $3,000-6,000 · Full-arch implant denture: $15,000-30,000 per arch · Full set of dentures: $1,000-3,000
Both can place crowns, bridges, and dentures. A prosthodontist has three additional years of specialized residency training in complex restorations. General dentists typically refer to prosthodontists for cases involving multiple missing teeth, implant-supported prosthetics, full-mouth reconstruction, or unusual anatomy. Think of it like the difference between a family doctor and a specialist.
Dental implants have a success rate above 95% over 10 years. The titanium implant itself, which fuses with your jawbone, can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown or prosthetic attached to the implant typically lasts 10 to 15 years before needing replacement due to normal wear. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding extend the life of both the implant and the restoration.
Coverage varies widely. Some dental plans cover a portion of implant costs (typically 50% after deductible), while others exclude implants entirely and only cover dentures or bridges. Medical insurance may cover implants if they are needed due to an accident, cancer surgery, or congenital condition. Ask your plan for a pre-treatment estimate before proceeding. Many prosthodontists offer payment plans for out-of-pocket costs.
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Dental insurance covers prosthodontic services at varying levels. Basic restorations (crowns, bridges) are typically covered at 50% to 80%. Implants have more limited coverage, with some plans excluding them or capping the benefit. Annual maximums on dental plans ($1,500 to $2,500) are quickly reached with prosthodontic work. Medical insurance may cover dental implants and reconstruction when related to an accident, cancer, or congenital condition. For large treatment plans, ask the prosthodontist to submit a pre-authorization to determine your exact coverage and out-of-pocket costs.