Prosthodontics Definition, Aims and Branches

Prosthodontics Definition, Aims and Branches June 7, 2023 by Joankessler parkland Leave a Comment

Prosthodontics Introduction Prosthodontics is branch of dentistry which deals with replacement of missing teeth and associated structure. Sub-branch of this specialty known as maxillofacial prosthodontics pertaining with replacement of missing oral and extraoral tissue or facial structure like eye, nose, ear, etc. with articial substitutes.

Table of Contents     

Prosthodontics Introduction Prosthodontics Definition Prosthodontics Aims Branches Of Prosthodontics Prosthesis Types And Classification

Prosthodontics Definition Prosthesis: An articial replacement of any part of the human body.

Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or decient teeth and/or maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

Read and Learn More: Preclinical Prosthodontics Notes Masticatory Apparatus: The organs and structures involved in chewing and deglutition process are collectively known as masticatory apparatus. They are maxillary and mandibular jaws, teeth of maxillary and mandibular arches, muscles of mastication, temporomandibular joint, tongue, oral mucosa, lips and cheeks.

During mastication the jaw movements along with movement of tongue, lips and cheeks are important to move the food bolus inside oral cavity to place the bolus on the occlusal table of teeth to chew it effectively.

Some muscles are actively involved in mastication by guiding the movement of mandible. This group of muscles is known as “Muscles of Mastication”. They are masseter, temporalis, lateral pterygoid, medial pterygoid, digastric, mylohyoid, and geniohyoid.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is joint which connects the mandible jaw bone with the skull. This joint is formed between condyle of mandible and temporal bone of skull so named as temporomandibular joint. Equilibrium among these structures is very important for effective mastication.

Prosthodontics Aims     

Restoration of missing tooth/teeth along with associated structures Restoration of maxillofacial defects/ missing tissue Maintenance of masticatory apparatus (maintenance of jaw bone and jaw joint with muscles) Restoration and maintenance of function, health comfort and appearance of patient Preservation of residual oral structures.

Branches Of Prosthodontics There are four branches of prosthodontics which deals with replacement of missing structure.

Removable Prosthodontics: This branch of prosthodontics dealing with replacement of teeth and adjacent structures for complete edentulous or partially edentulous patients by articial substitutes that are readily removed from the mouth. (These prostheses are not fixed in mouth and patient can remove and reinsert it at his/her will).

Fixed Prosthodontics: The branch of prosthodontics dealing with the replacement and/or restoration of teeth by artificial substitutes that are not readily removed from the mouth. (These prostheses are fixed in mouth with cementing medium and patient cannot remove it, but dentist can remove it if needed).

Maxillofacial Prosthodontics: The branch of prosthodontics dealing with the restoration and/or replacement of the stomatognathic and craniofacial structures with prosthesis that may or may not be removable. [This prosthesis mainly replace missing facial structure (nose, ear, eye, etc.) and restores intraoral defects].

Implant Prosthodontics: The branch of prosthodontics dealing with the replacement of missing teeth and/or associated structure by restorations that are attached to dental implants.

Temporomandibular Disorders: There is emergence of new subspecialty which treats disorders related to temporomandibular joint and associated structures with nonsurgical treatment approach. The disorders related to temporomandibular joint and associated structures are collectively known as temporomandibular disorders or TMDs. These disorders are treated with various occlusion splints and occlusal therapy.

Prosthesis Types And Classification    

Removable prosthesis Fixed prosthesis Maxillofacial prosthesis Implant supported prosthesis