Why a prosthodontist?
The specialist for your smile.
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses exclusively on restoring and replacing teeth — implants, veneers, dentures, and full-mouth rehabilitation. They complete dental school plus an additional three-year residency in this specialty, making them the experts general dentists refer complex implant and cosmetic cases to. When your smile needs more than routine care, a prosthodontist delivers the precision and expertise that leads to better outcomes.
How a prosthodontist is different
Both general dentists and prosthodontists complete dental school. The divergence happens after — in three additional years of intensive specialty training.
General Dentist
- 4 years of dental school
- Broad training across all dental disciplines
- Preventive, restorative, and basic surgical care
- Can place implants and do crowns/bridges
- Refers complex cases to specialists
Prosthodontist
ADA Recognized Specialist- 4 years dental school + 3-year specialty residency
- Training focused exclusively on restoring & replacing teeth
- Implants, full-arch prosthetics, bite rehabilitation
- Veneers, smile makeovers, complete mouth reconstruction
- Who general dentists refer their complex cases to
Cases that benefit from specialist expertise
Some cases are routine. Others involve complexity where specialized training makes a measurable difference in your outcome.
Dental Implants
From single tooth replacement to full-arch reconstruction. Prosthodontists design the restoration that goes on top of the implant — and that design determines function and longevity.
All-on-4 & Full Arch
The most demanding prosthetic work in dentistry. Bite design, prosthesis engineering, and coordination with the surgical phase all require prosthodontic expertise.
Bone Loss Cases
Significant bone loss requires careful planning around grafting, angulation, and what bone remains. Complex cases benefit from a specialist's deeper experience with these variables.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers that look truly natural require mastery of shade selection, preparation depth, and bite integration. Prosthodontists train extensively in precision cosmetic work.
Previous Implant Failure
Understanding why a previous implant failed — and planning differently — requires experience with failure modes and the ability to address underlying causes.
Smile Rehabilitation
When implants, crowns, veneers, and bite adjustment all need to work together, a prosthodontist plans the full picture as one coordinated treatment — not separate procedures.
Training you can verify
Credentials matter when you're trusting someone with your health. Here's exactly what Dr. Cheong's training involved.
UC Irvine
Undergraduate foundation in sciences and human behavior — informing an approach to patient care that goes beyond the clinical.
UCLA School of Dentistry
One of the top dental programs in the United States. Four years of comprehensive dental training.
UCSF / VA San Francisco
CODA-accredited residency — one of the most rigorous prosthodontic programs in the country. Intensive training in implants, full-arch reconstruction, and complex restorative cases.
ADA-Recognized Specialist
Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. Specialist status requires completing a CODA-accredited 3-year residency beyond dental school.
"My background in psychology helps me understand the functional, psychological, and social importance of a healthy, confident smile. Whether your needs are minor or major, your treatment will be performed with precision and care at the highest level."
Common Questions About Prosthodontic Care
See the difference specialist care makes
Start with a complimentary consultation — a full clinical examination, honest assessment of your options, and no obligation to proceed.