Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is the dental speciality primarily concerned with the restoration and replacement of lost or damaged teeth. A prosthodontist uses dental materials to restore or replace teeth and missing tissues. Prosthodontists have an understanding of all the elements of a person's smile – not just the teeth, but also the gums, lips, and facial features. When it comes to planning and carrying out complex dental treatments, a team of dental specialists in different fields is often required. In many cases, that team is led by the prosthodontist.
Prosthodontic Procedures
Fixed Prosthodontics (crown)
Fixed Prosthodontics is the branch of Prosthodontics that deals with restoration of damaged, worn down and missing teeth using crowns, bridges, onlays, inlays and veneers. All the above-mentioned restorations are custom made in the dental laboratory on an impression of the mouth made by the Prosthodontist.
Fixed prosthodontics can be used to reconstruct single or multiple teeth, and spanning tooth loss areas. The main advantages of fixed prosthodontics over direct restorations are improved strength in big restorations and the possibility to build an aesthetic-looking tooth. They are also affixed to the existing teeth or dental implants. The concepts utilised to select the suitable restorations include consideration of the materials to be used, the level of tooth destruction, the orientation and placement of the tooth, and the condition of neighboring teeth.
Removable Prosthodontics
Removable prosthodontics is another branch of Prosthodontics that focuses on replacing the teeth and soft tissues with a prosthesis that can be removed and reinserted by the patients. These are often known as dentures and can replace a full arch of teeth (complete dentures), or a few individual or grouped tooth spaces (partial dentures). They consist of a metal framework or acrylic base with artificial teeth that attach to the remaining natural teeth or implants for retention and support. Patients can carry out oral hygiene homecare by removing the dentures. A well-made denture can restore oral function, esthetic and confidence for patients with missing teeth.
Implant Prostheses
Dental implants are a popular and effective option for replacing missing teeth. They are artificial titanium tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a foundation for tooth replacement. The basis for dental implants is a biological process called osseointegration, in which the titanium forms an intimate bond to the bone. The implant fixture is first placed, then a variable amount of healing time is required for osseointegration. Dental implant prostheses such as fixed crowns and bridges or removable dentures are then added. This allows individuals to regain the ability to chew, speak and smile with confidence. It is important to note that not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Factors such as overall health, oral hygiene and the amount and quality of jawbone are considered when determining eligibility.