What is a Prosthodontist?
One of the twelve recognized dental specialties — focused on rebuilding what's missing, restoring what's broken, and making it look natural.
A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed three to four additional years of full-time training focused specifically on the restoration and replacement of teeth.
That extra training matters when the case isn't simple — multiple missing teeth, failing dental work, severe wear, complex implant restorations, or a full mouth that needs to be rebuilt. Prosthodontists handle the cases other dentists most often refer out.
What prosthodontists treat
The field of prosthodontics spans nearly every restorative and replacement procedure in dentistry. In Dr. Rasmussen's practice, that includes:
- Dental implant restorations — single tooth replacements, multi-tooth bridges on implants, and full-arch fixed prostheses
- Crowns and bridges — precision-fitted restorations for damaged or missing teeth
- Porcelain veneers and other cosmetic restorations
- Complete and partial dentures, including immediate and implant-supported designs
- Full mouth reconstruction for cases that require a coordinated, multi-phase approach
- TMJ and occlusal therapy — addressing bite-related issues, worn teeth, and jaw discomfort
- Maxillofacial prosthetics for patients with congenital or trauma-related defects
How prosthodontists are trained
Becoming a prosthodontist starts the same way as becoming any other dentist — four years of dental school after a four-year undergraduate degree. From there, prosthodontists complete an additional three or four years of full-time, hospital- or university-based specialty residency. Programs are highly competitive and limited in number nationwide.
Dr. Rasmussen completed his four-year Maxillofacial Prosthodontics residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota — one of the most respected training programs in the country — following dental school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Prosthodontist vs. general dentist
A general dentist provides a broad range of routine care: cleanings, fillings, simple crowns, basic extractions, and many other day-to-day procedures. Most patients see a general dentist for preventive care and would benefit from continuing that relationship.
A prosthodontist is brought in when the case is more complex or requires a longer treatment arc — when the planning, sequencing, and final outcome benefit from specialty-level training. Dr. Rasmussen frequently works alongside general dentists as part of a coordinated treatment team.
When to consider a consultation
It often makes sense to see a prosthodontist when any of the following describe your situation:
- You're missing multiple teeth or considering dental implants.
- You've been told you need full mouth reconstruction or extensive restorative work.
- You're unhappy with the fit, function, or appearance of existing dentures.
- You have severe wear, grinding-related damage, or chronic bite problems.
- You've had repeated failures of crowns, bridges, or other restorations.
- You want a coordinated plan for a smile makeover.
A consultation is the most direct way to find out whether prosthodontic care is the right fit for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed three to four additional years of training beyond dental school. The training is focused on the restoration and replacement of teeth, including dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, and full mouth reconstruction. Prosthodontists are recognized by the American Dental Association as one of the twelve dental specialties.
A general dentist completes dental school and is trained to handle a wide variety of routine dental care. A prosthodontist completes dental school and then continues with three to four additional years of full-time training focused specifically on complex restorative and replacement cases. Many general dentists refer their more complex restorative cases to a prosthodontist.
Patients are typically referred to a prosthodontist when their case involves multiple missing teeth, dental implants, full or partial dentures, complex crown and bridge work, severe tooth wear, congenital or trauma-related defects, or when a coordinated full mouth approach is needed. You do not need a referral — you can contact our office directly.
No. While many of our patients are referred by their general dentist, a referral is not required. You are welcome to contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. We accept both referred and self-referred patients.