National Prosthodontics Awareness Week is April 6-12
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Prosthodontists at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry are encouraging all West Virginians to take care of their smiles during National Prosthodontics Awareness Week (April 6-12).
The American Dental Association recognizes prosthodontists as dental specialists with three years of additional training after dental school in the prevention and treatment of tooth loss.
These specialists have a highly skilled understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth, and the creation of tooth replacements. Prosthodontists also maintain a strong commitment to the dental healthcare needs of older patients, individuals with congenital anomalies, and those who have been affected by oral cancer.
“Tooth loss happens from decay, gum disease, traumatic injury, cancer, or wear. Losing teeth places stress on the mouth’s structures and shape causing the bone to shrink and possibly changing a person’s facial appearance. Many adults who do not replace their missing teeth suffer poor self-esteem, premature aging, poor diet, loss of function, and social embarrassment,” Mark Richards, D.D.S., board-certified prosthodontist and director of the graduate prosthodontics program at the WVU School of Dentistry, said.
By utilizing dental implants, fixed bridgework, veneers, removable partial dentures, and complete dentures a prosthodontists’ expertise can change a smile and a life.
“National Prosthodontics Awareness Week helps raise the awareness of the services that prosthodontists can provide and allows us to provide exceptional dental services to those in need of care during this week,” David Felton, D.D.S., M.S., prosthodontist and dean of the WVU School of Dentistry, said. “Many prosthodontists and prosthodontic graduate programs around the U.S. are participating this week. We anticipate that many patients will receive care that can transform their lives.”
If patients are missing one or more teeth, are interested in dental implants, wear dentures or removable partial dentures, and/or want to improve the esthetics of their smile, they should ask their dentist about a referral to a prosthodontist or request an evaluation at the Graduate Prosthodontics Clinic at the WVU Dental Care Specialty Clinic in the Suncrest Towne Centre.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 304-293-5831.