Prosthodontics Overview and Branches

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Questions and Answers

What can premature contact lead to in the movement of the mandible?

TMJ dysfunction and muscle spasm (correct)

Improved function of the jaw

Enhanced aesthetic appearance

Stronger periodontal support

What may happen as a result of unilateral mastication due to tooth loss?

Increased caries on the affected side (correct)

Strengthened tooth structure

Reduction in periodontal issues

Improved chewing efficiency

Which of the following is NOT a reason for treating tooth loss?

Pain management from TMJ dysfunction

Increased oral hygiene (correct)

Speech improvements

Aesthetic considerations

Which treatment method is NOT mentioned for addressing tooth loss?

Dental bonding Signup and view all the answers

What does prolonged edentulous space indicate regarding the need for prosthetic treatment?

Potential for no treatment if conditions are met Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of prosthodontics?

To restore and maintain oral functions and aesthetics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of fixed prosthodontics?

Complete Denture Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes intra coronal restorations from extra coronal restorations?

Intra coronal restorations sit inside the tooth structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of removable prosthodontics?

Removable Partial Denture Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct role of a pontic in fixed prosthodontics?

To replace a missing tooth in a dental bridge Signup and view all the answers

What type of material is commonly used for making full metal crowns?

Metal alloys Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is involved in the process of making a fixed partial denture?

Impression for crown and bridge Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the final impression in prosthodontics?

To create an accurate model for prosthesis fabrication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a dental crown?

To restore morphology, function, and contour of a damaged tooth Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crown completely covers the coronal portion of a tooth?

Full Metal Crown Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of crowns is characterized by its materials?

Non-Metal Crowns Signup and view all the answers

What component of a dental bridge connects the pontic to the abutment tooth?

Retainer Signup and view all the answers

What is a pontic in the context of dental bridges?

A part that replaces a missing tooth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'abutment'?

A tooth to which a bridge is attached Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the connector in a dental bridge?

To join the individual components of the bridge together Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crown is used as a complete replacement while retaining a metal structure inside the root canal space?

Post Crown Signup and view all the answers

What is a saddle in the context of a fixed partial denture?

An area of the edentulous ridge over which the pontic lies Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a pier in dental terminology?

An abutment standing between two others supporting two pontics Signup and view all the answers

What does a 3 unit bridge refer to?

A bridge replacing a premolar using two abutments Signup and view all the answers

What happens to opposing teeth when a single tooth is lost?

They may undergo super eruption Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of posterior bite collapse?

Shifting and excessive pressure on the front teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the general effects of tooth loss?

Generalized collapse of the dental arches Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible consequence of losing the posterior teeth?

Traumatic occlusion or bite issues Signup and view all the answers

What describes the path of insertion in dental terms?

An imaginary line for inserting and removing the restoration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prosthodontics

The dental specialty of prosthodontics focuses on restoring and maintaining oral functions, comfort, appearance, and health.
This field involves creating artificial replacements for missing parts of the mouth and jaw.

Branches of Prosthodontics

Fixed Prosthodontics (FPDs): Involves permanently cemented dental prostheses.
Removable Prosthodontics: Involves prostheses that can be removed by the patient.
- Complete Denture: Replaces all teeth in an arch.
- Removable Partial Denture (RPDs): Replaces some teeth in an arch.
Implant Prosthodontics: Uses implants to support and retain prostheses.
Maxillofacial Prosthodontics: Deals with prostheses for facial deformities.

Fixed Prosthodontics

Fixed Prosthodontics focuses on restoring damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth with permanently cemented prostheses.
Prostheses are classified as extra-coronal or intra-coronal.
- Extra-coronal restorations sit over the tooth, including various types of crowns and veneers..
- Intra-coronal restorations sit inside the tooth, such as inlays, onlays, and pin-retained restorations.

The Crown

A crown is a fixed, extra-coronal restoration for the coronal portion of a tooth.
It aims to restore morphology, function, and contour, and protect remaining tooth structure.
Crowns are classified according to coverage area and materials used.

Crown Classification by Coverage Area

Complete Crown: Covers the entire coronal portion of the tooth, such as full metal crowns and all-ceramic crowns.
Partial Crown: Covers part of the coronal portion of the tooth, such as 3/4 crowns and 7/8 crowns.
Complete Replacement: Replaces the natural crown entirely, often with a post crown that extends inside the root canal space.

Crown Classification by Materials

Metal Crowns: Made of gold alloys or alternatives.
Non-Metal Crowns: Made of acrylic resin, Zirconium, or porcelain (as in a jacket crown).
Combination Crowns: Made of a combination of metal and plastic materials, such as PFM crowns.

Bridge

A bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth, restoring function and aesthetics.
It's supported by natural teeth or roots.
Bridges have three components: retainers, pontics, and connectors.

Bridge Components

Retainer: The part that sits on or in the abutment tooth, connecting the pontic to the abutment.
- Retainers can be major, minor, or a combination of crown, inlay, or post & core.
Pontic: The artificial tooth that replaces the missing natural tooth.
Connector: Joins the individual components of the bridge together (retainer and pontic).
- Can be a fixed (rigid) or movable (flexible) connector.
- A major retainer is attached to a fixed connector.
- A minor retainer is attached to a flexible connector.

Definitions

Abutment: A tooth that supports a bridge.
Span: The space between abutment teeth that is to be filled by the pontic(s).
Saddle: The area of the edentulous ridge over which the pontic rests.
Pier: An abutment positioned between two other abutments, supporting two pontics connected to those abutments.
Unit: Refers to a retainer or pontic; a three-unit bridge has two abutments and one pontic.
Path of Insertion: An imaginary line along which the prosthesis can be inserted and removed without interference or lateral force on the abutment.

Reasons for Fixed Partial Dentures

Replacing a missing tooth disrupts the balance of forces within an arch, leading to several issues.

Consequences of Missing Tooth

Supereruption of Opposing Tooth: The opposing tooth may erupt higher, resulting in:
- Gingival recession.
- Traumatic occlusion (lack of proper bite).
- Loss of bony support.
- Loss of proximal contact.
Loss of Function on the Affected Side:
- Leading to diffuse atrophy (shrinking).
- Heavy plaque deposition, increasing risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Trauma to soft tissues during chewing.
- Loss of tissue (contraction of soft tissue and bone).
Tilting (Drifting) of Adjacent Teeth: The adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space.
Loss of Proximal Contact:
- Food becomes trapped, leading to stagnation and pocketing.
- Increased risk of subgingival caries.
Periodontal Problems and Mobility: The affected tooth may become mobile due to the imbalance of forces.

Posterior Bite Collapse

The posterior teeth support the vertical height of the face.
When lost, the face may lose height and close down, known as "posterior bite collapse."
This collapse puts excessive pressure on the front teeth, leading to shifting and spreading.

General Effects of Tooth Loss

Generalized Collapse of Dental Arches: Both the upper and lower arches may collapse.
Premature Contact: This leads to abnormal jaw movements, contributing to TMJ dysfunction and muscle spasms causing pain.
Unilateral Mastication: Chewing primarily on the opposite side of the arch can lead to periodontal problems and caries due to inadequate cleaning.
Posterior Bite Collapse: This puts pressure on the front teeth, causing forward movement or spreading, requiring extensive treatment plans to correct.

Reasons for Treating Tooth Loss

Aesthetic: Restoration improves appearance.
Function: Allows for proper eating.
Pain: Relieves pain from TMJ dysfunction and muscle spasms.
Maintenance of the Dental Arch: Stabilizes the occlusion and prevents tilting.
Speech: Especially important for lower incisors.

Methods of Treating Tooth Loss

Orthodontic Treatment: May involve repositioning teeth.
Removable Partial Denture: Replaces one or more teeth.
Fixed Partial Denture: A bridge, replacing one or more teeth.
Dental Implant: A surgically inserted post that integrates with the bone.
Combination of Treatments: May be necessary for complex cases.

Decision Not to Treat Tooth Loss

Long-Standing Edentulous Space: If there has been no drifting or elongation of adjacent teeth, a prosthesis may not be necessary.
Lack of Distal Abutment: There may be no teeth on the opposite side to support a bridge.
No Functional, Occlusal, or Aesthetic Impairment: If the patient doesn't experience issues.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of prosthodontics, including its focus on restoring oral functions and various branches like fixed, removable, implant, and maxillofacial prosthodontics. Dive into the specifics of fixed prosthodontics, which emphasizes permanent restorations for damaged or missing teeth. Test your knowledge of the different types of prosthodontic treatments and their applications.