Prosthodontics is in your future

Article Abstract:

Many dentists can learn prosthodontic procedures even though they may not be board-certified prosthodontists. Prosthodontics is the dental specialty that covers crowns, bridges, and dentures of all types. In the past, most old people had all their teeth extracted and received total dentures. However, more people are keeping their teeth, creating a need for removable partial dentures. Most of this work is done by general practitioners but there are about 1,000 prosthodontists in the US who can provide consulting services to dentists.

Analysis

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Implant prosthodontics contribute to restorative dentistry

Article Abstract:

Implant dentistry is a new, vital field, looking toward a future full of expanded applications. The main trends in this field are described and evaluated. Several technical improvements have led to increased clinical success, to the point where more than 90 percent of dental implants are retained longer than 20 years. Considerations relevant to practitioners are reviewed, including the dental implant surgery itself, provisional (temporary) restorations, comparing different implant systems, preparing the implants for restorations, making impressions for implant prostheses, selecting the most appropriate cement, upkeep and repair of implants, and laboratory considerations. Knowledge regarding the long-term maintenance and repair needs of implant prostheses will take some time to develop, as patients use them year after year. For instance, the longevity of some types of screws is not known, nor have the effects of gingival (gum) recession around implanted teeth been well characterized. The field of implant dentistry will certainly continue to expand; dental practitioners should strive to make implants easier, better, and less expensive for their patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Methods, Implant dentures, Dental implants, Teeth, Maintenance and repair

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An approach to prosthodontics: meeting the needs of our patients

Article Abstract:

In spite of the large number of people who lose all their teeth, relatively few dentists are skilled at providing removable complete dentures (a branch of dentistry called prosthodontics). The reasons for this lack of expertise and solutions to it are discussed. Many procedures for preparing and delivering removable prosthodontic devices (such as dentures or bridges) are slow, complex, and hard to carry out within a general dental practice. Patients often expect a perfect substitute for their missing teeth, a goal that is rarely met. Finally, technicians who prepare removable prosthodontic devices are not paid as highly as those who prepare fixed devices; therefore, they may be less capable. The situation could be improved if techniques associated with the fitting and use of removable dentures were simplified and taught to new and currently practicing dentists. Patients can be encouraged to develop more reasonable expectations concerning the stability and function of their dentures. Dentures for the lower jaw (mandibular dentures) are not as well accepted as those for the upper jaw (maxillary dentures), but new methods using metal implants have considerably improved stability even for mandibular dentures. Certain aspects of the denture preparation procedure can be carried out by dental assistants or hygienists. Professional laboratory technicians should receive higher salaries and more professional recognition than they do now. An outline is presented of a simplified approach to casting, making and seating (fitting) dentures. The approach requires six patient appointments and relies heavily on auxiliary personnel (assistants, hygienists, or laboratory technicians). The patient benefits from having more time devoted to the problem than would be possible if the dentist carried out all the procedures. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Practice

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