Introduction to Prosthodontics Quiz

Introduction to Prosthodontics

• Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on restoring and maintaining oral function, comfort, appearance, and health.
• It involves replacing missing parts of the human body, specifically within the oral cavity.
• A prosthesis is an artificial replacement for a missing part of the human body.

History of False Teeth

• Tooth replacements have existed for centuries.
• The first dentures were created around 700 BC using ivory and bone.
• Silver, gold, and mother-of-pearl were also used.
• Porcelain dentures were introduced in 1774.
• A significant advancement was the discovery of vulcanized rubber.
• Acrylic resin marked a major advancement in prosthodontics.
• Implants are another significant development in tooth replacement.

Definitions

• Dentulous: A person with their natural teeth present.
• Edentulous: A person who has lost their natural teeth; may be partially or completely edentulous depending on the number of missing teeth.
• Prosthetics: The broader concept of replacing missing/lost body parts.

Branches of Prosthodontics

• Fixed prosthodontics: Permanent restorations;
• Removable prosthodontics: Includes:
  • Complete denture prosthodontics
  • Partial denture prosthodontics
• Implant prosthodontics: Involves use of dental implants
• Maxillofacial prosthetics: Replacements for missing parts of the face and mouth regions.

Types of Prostheses

• Denture: A restoration for one or more missing teeth and related structures; includes partial, complete, fixed, or removable types.
• Partial denture: Restores some tooth function; only replaces a portion of missing teeth, not all.
• Fixed partial denture: Permanently attached restoration to existing teeth or implanted teeth; cannot be removed from the mouth.
• Removable partial denture: A prosthesis for a partially missing tooth arch; removable from the mouth.
• Complete denture: A removable restoration for a completely missing arch; covers the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw).

Reasons for Tooth Loss

• Traumatic injuries
• Tooth decay (caries)
• Periodontal diseases
• Cysts, malignancies, and tumors
• Radiation therapy for tumors
• Grossly malaligned teeth
• Iatrogenic extraction (extraction by a clinician)
• Congenitally missing teeth
• Failure of teeth to erupt (impacted teeth)

Sequelae of Tooth Loss

• Resorption: The socket of a missing tooth gradually remodels to fit with the edentulous ridge.
• Tilting: Movement of remaining teeth in the arch.
• Drifting: Movement of remaining teeth in the arch.
• Occlusal disharmony: Problems in the chewing surfaces leads to discomfort, pain, and potential TMJ issues.

Treatment Options

• Preservation and prevention
• Post and core/crowns
• Implants
• Fixed partial dentures
• Cast removable partial dentures
• Overdenture (removable restoration of missing teeth supported by implants within the mouth)
• Complete dentures (full arch restorations replacing all or most of the missing teeth.)
• Implant-retained dentures (complete arch restorations supported by implants).
• Maxillofacial prostheses: Replacements for missing areas of the face or mouth.

Masticatory Loads

• Forces produced by natural teeth during mastication are significantly higher than denture wearers' forces.
• Natural teeth can generate forces up to 175 pounds, but typically range between 40 and 50 pounds.
• Denture wearers generate forces in the 22-24 pound range in the molar-bicuspid area.
• Denture-supported forces produce only 10-15% of the forces produced by natural teeth.