Which dental specialty focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth?

The specialty that focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth is prosthodontics. This field of dentistry is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function, comfort, and aesthetics. Prosthodontists are skilled in creating various dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants, which are designed to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of a patient's smile.

Understanding the role of prosthodontics helps highlight its importance in comprehensive dental care, particularly for patients who have lost teeth due to decay, injury, or other dental issues. This specialty not only improves the physical aspects of a person’s smile but also significantly enhances their quality of life by restoring essential oral functions such as chewing and speaking.