What is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who completes three additional years of advanced residency training after dental school, focusing exclusively on the restoration and replacement of teeth. While general dentists are trained in a broad range of care, prosthodontists are uniquely qualified to handle complex cases involving:
- Full-mouth rehabilitation
- Dental implants and restorations
- Dentures and partials
- Aesthetic smile makeovers
- Bite correction and occlusal reconstruction
Dr. Paul Connolly is one of only a handful of board-trained prosthodontists in the region. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn Dental), consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the country. He then completed his prosthodontic residency at the University of Iowa, gaining hands-on experience in advanced prosthodontic procedures and interdisciplinary care.
To learn more about Dr. Connolly and his background, visit his provider bio.
The "Dental Nerd" Approach to Precision
Dr. Connolly’s academic achievements reflect more than just training—they demonstrate a lifelong commitment to clinical excellence. He was awarded the Joseph E. Ewing Award for Outstanding Clinical Performance, given to the top-performing dental student at UPenn who consistently excels in patient care, technical ability, and treatment planning.
This scientific and precision-based approach is particularly important in restorative dentistry, where tiny deviations in a dental restoration can lead to bite issues, discomfort, or long-term complications.
With a strong foundation in biochemistry and physics, Dr. Connolly uses principles of material science and biomechanics to guide every restoration—whether it’s a dental crown, bridge, or full-arch implant solution. It’s this attention to detail that allows our team to consistently deliver highly functional, natural-looking outcomes.
When Should You See a Prosthodontist vs. a General Dentist?
Not every dental problem requires a specialist—but when it does, your long-term oral health depends on choosing the right provider. You should consider seeing a prosthodontist if you’re experiencing:
- Multiple missing teeth or failing restorations
- Jaw pain, bite misalignment, or uneven tooth wear
- Difficulty chewing due to deteriorated teeth or ill-fitting dentures
- Severe dental trauma from an accident
- Interest in full-mouth rehabilitation or implant-supported treatment options
Our practice routinely treats patients who have been referred by general dentists for advanced cases that require comprehensive evaluation, treatment sequencing, and restoration planning. We also welcome patients who are proactively seeking a second opinion for their long-term care.
To see how we approach complex restorations, explore our full arch implant restoration service page.
Advanced Care Close to Home
You don’t have to travel far for world-class prosthodontic care. Located conveniently on South River Road in Bedford, NH, our practice combines advanced education with leading-edge technology, including digital impressions, cone beam imaging, and RayFace 3D printing.
As a prosthodontic specialty office, we partner with referring dentists across Manchester, Merrimack, Amherst, and beyond to deliver seamless restorative solutions. Whether you need a single implant or a full-mouth rehabilitation, our team is here to restore comfort, function, and confidence to your smile.
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