Prosthodontist or general dentist?
| General dentist | Prosthodontist | |
|---|---|---|
| Training in India | BDS (five years, including internship) | BDS, then a three-year MDS in Prosthodontics |
| Main work | Check-ups, cleaning, fillings, routine crowns and extractions | Implant teeth, dentures, crowns and bridges, veneers, full-mouth rehabilitation |
| Typical cases | Everyday care | Several missing teeth, implants, worn or broken teeth, failed crowns or dentures |
Signs a prosthodontist would help
- You’re missing several teeth, or all the teeth in a jaw.
- You’re considering implants, All-on-4 or implant overdentures.
- Your dentures are loose, painful or make eating and speaking hard.
- Your teeth are worn down from grinding or acid, and your face looks shorter.
- You need crowns or veneers on front teeth and appearance matters.
- Crowns, bridges or dentures you’ve had before failed or never felt right.
- You need treatment after injury, or following surgery to the jaw.
What to expect at a prosthodontic consultation
- A full examination of the teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints.
- X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan, and photographs.
- A discussion of what you want: looks, chewing, comfort, budget, time.
- A written plan with options and fees, often in stages.
At Petal Smiles
Petal Smiles is owned by prosthodontist Dr. Adish Chaudhary, who holds an MDS in Prosthodontics, Crown and Bridge, and an implant fellowship from the Brånemark Osseointegration Center. He works alongside a multidisciplinary dental team, so implant surgery, gum care, root canals and orthodontics happen under one plan. See our dental specialists.
Questions patients ask us
What does a prosthodontist do?
Plans and makes replacements for missing teeth (implant crowns and bridges, full-arch implant teeth, dentures) and restores damaged teeth with crowns, veneers and onlays. They also manage complex cases such as worn teeth, bite problems and full-mouth rehabilitation.
What is the difference between a prosthodontist and a dentist?
Every prosthodontist is a dentist. In India, a prosthodontist has a BDS followed by a three-year MDS in Prosthodontics, focused on replacing and restoring teeth. A general dentist provides wide everyday care, from check-ups and fillings to cleaning.
Should I see a prosthodontist or a general dentist for a crown?
A single straightforward crown is routine for an experienced dentist. A prosthodontist is worth it for front-teeth crowns where appearance matters, several crowns at once, crowns on implants, or when previous crowns have failed.
Do I need a prosthodontist for dentures?
Dentures are a core part of prosthodontic training. If dentures are loose, sore or make speaking difficult, or you're getting your first set, a prosthodontist is a good choice.
What is the difference between a prosthodontist and an orthodontist?
An orthodontist moves teeth with braces and aligners. A prosthodontist replaces and rebuilds teeth. In complex cases they often work together.
Is a prosthodontist the same as an implantologist?
Not quite. An implantologist focuses on placing implants surgically; a prosthodontist plans and makes the teeth that go on them. At our clinic both work on implant cases together.
Sources
American College of Prosthodontists: why see a prosthodontist ↗Last updated 22 October 2026.