Let’s Talk Cavities!
Dr Cornel De Klerk February 2, 2026
What is a cavity, and how do they develop? Our dentist gives us a bit of insight and hints on how to identify, prevent and treat CAVITIES!
TEL: +27 12 348 0665
Understanding: Aesthetic Dentistry and When to See a Prosthodontist
Not sure when to see a prosthodontist? We break down what they do, what they treat, and how to get started at I Love My Smile in Pretoria.
Most people only think about specialist dental care when something has already gone wrong. Your general dentist is great for keeping your oral health in check day to day, but when the damage is more complex than a routine visit can address, that’s a different conversation. That’s when you need a prosthodontist.
What Is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on restorative dentistry and the replacement of teeth. After completing dental school and qualifying as a dentist, a prosthodontist undertakes an additional four years of full-time specialist training. This extended training covers the diagnosis and treatment of complex cases, with a particular focus on restoring both the oral function and appearance of a patient’s smile.
Their work includes dental implants, crowns, dental prosthetics, and tooth replacement, with every prosthodontic treatment plan built around what works best for that specific patient. Prosthodontists also work closely with other dental professionals, including general dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and dental technicians, to ensure each case is handled with the right combination of expertise.
How Does a Prosthodontist Differ from a General Dentist?
A general dentist is your first point of contact for oral health. They handle preventive care, regular check-ups, fillings, extractions, and basic crowns, and are trained to identify problems early and address a wide range of everyday dental needs.
A prosthodontist takes over when complex cases go past what routine dentistry covers, particularly when missing or damaged teeth are involved, when existing structures need significant restoration, or when a patient’s bite and facial aesthetics need to be considered as part of the treatment.
A simple way to think about it: a general dentist maintains your dental health, while a prosthodontist rebuilds it.
When Should You See a Prosthodontist?
You don’t need to wait for your dental situation to deteriorate before seeing a prosthodontist. There are specific circumstances where their specialist input makes a meaningful difference:
- Missing teeth: A prosthodontist can assess the most appropriate restoration and replacement option for your situation, taking into account your jaw structure, jawbone density, and surrounding natural teeth.
- Damaged teeth: Teeth that cannot be adequately restored with a standard filling often require dental crowns. A prosthodontist’s training ensures both the functional and aesthetic restoration outcome is considered, so the final result looks and feels natural.
- Full smile rehabilitation: Patients who require multiple prosthodontic procedures, or whose entire bite needs to be assessed and rebuilt, benefit most from this level of specialist care. At I Love My Smile, the goal is to complete as much as possible in a single visit, minimising the time and disruption for the patient.
- Implant planning and restoration: The prosthodontist designs and fits the final restoration over the implant, ensuring proper chewing function and long-term fit.
Prosthodontic Treatment at I Love My Smile
I Love My Smile is home to Dr Anton Grotius, a specialist prosthodontist in Lynnwood, Pretoria. Depending on your prosthodontic needs, prosthodontic treatments at the practice include:
- Tooth replacement: A natural-looking solution designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- Partial and full dentures: Custom-crafted to fit comfortably and restore your confidence.
- Crowns: High-quality restorations that rebuild both the form and function of a damaged tooth.
The practice also has an in-house dental technician, which means dental prostheses are crafted on-site. This reduces wait times and gives the team tighter quality control over every restoration. You can find out more about what to expect on your first visit.
From Smile Makeovers to a Healthy Mouth: Book Your Consultation
A prosthodontist does more than fix teeth. The results of a well-planned prosthodontic treatment are felt long after the appointment is over. If your dental procedure needs have moved past what routine care can address, specialist treatment is the next step. Book a consultation with our prosthodontist at I Love My Smile and find out what’s possible for your smile.
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How to replace my missing teeth
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Why is it necessary to replace missing teeth? Never mind its impact on your smile, but what consequences are there to your dental health if you choose not to? What options do I have to replace my missing tooth/teeth? We answer all these questions and more.
Sensitivity after dental fillings
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Dr De Klerk tells us more about the probable causes: