What is Prosthetic Dental Treatment? How is it performed?

Prosthodontic treatment is the dental specialty that focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth using prostheses, such as dental implants, bridges, crowns, dentures, and veneers. The treatment is performed by a prosthodontist, who will evaluate the patient's oral health, create a treatment plan, and perform the necessary procedures to restore the function and appearance of the teeth.

The procedures involved in prosthodontic treatment can range from simple repairs to complex full-mouth reconstruction and may involve the use of dental materials such as porcelain, resin, or metals. The goal of prosthodontic treatment is to improve the patient's oral health, comfort, and appearance. 

How Are Prosthetic Teeth Made?

Prosthetic teeth are made through a process called dental fabrication. It typically involves the following steps:

Impressions: A dental impression is taken of the patient's mouth to create a mold or model of the existing teeth and gums.

Design: The prosthodontist will design the prosthesis based on the impressions and treatment plan. Fabrication: The prosthesis is fabricated using the mold and materials selected for the specific case. This can be done in-house using a dental laboratory or an outside laboratory may be used.

Try-in: The patient tries on the prosthesis for a fitting, and the prosthodontist will make any necessary adjustments.

Final placement: The final prosthesis is cemented or attached to the remaining teeth or dental implants. The specific materials used and the fabrication process can vary depending on the type of prosthesis being made (e.g. dental crowns, bridges, dentures, etc.). The goal is to create a prosthesis that is functional, comfortable, and natural-looking for the patient. 

What Are The Treatment Options in Prosthodontics?

The treatment options in prosthodontics include:

Dental crowns: A custom-made cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Bridges: A prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by filling the gap with a false tooth attached to crowns on the surrounding natural teeth.

Dental implants: A surgical procedure that involves placing a metal post into the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root and supporting a crown, bridge, or denture.

Dentures: A removable prosthesis that replaces multiple missing teeth and can be made of various materials such as acrylic resin or porcelain.

Veneers: A thin shell of porcelain or resin that is attached to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance.

Complete and partial dentures: Removable prostheses that replace some or all of a patient's missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures: Dentures that are attached to dental implants for added stability and support.

Maxillofacial prosthetics: Prostheses used to restore function and appearance in patients who have lost parts of the face or jaw due to injury, disease, or birth defects. The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual patient's needs, oral health, and personal preferences. The goal of prosthodontic treatment is to restore oral function, comfort, and appearance, and improve overall oral health. 

What Types Of Dentures Are Used in Prosthodontics?

The types of dentures used in prosthodontics include: Complete dentures: Replace all of a patient's missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw or both.

Partial dentures: Replace one or more missing teeth and are supported by surrounding natural teeth or dental implants.

Implant-supported dentures: Dentures that are attached to dental implants for added stability and support.

Overdentures: Dentures that fit over remaining natural teeth or dental implants to provide additional stability and support.

Immediate dentures: Dentures that are placed immediately after tooth extractions and serve as a temporary solution until the mouth has healed and a permanent prosthesis can be made.

Custom dentures: Dentures that are designed and fabricated to meet a patient's individual needs, including customized shape, color, and fit.

Conventional dentures: Dentures that are made after the patient's gums have healed following tooth extractions. The type of denture used will depend on the individual patient's needs, oral health, and personal preferences. The goal is to provide a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth.

What Are The 2 Types Of Complete Denture Prosthesis?

The two types of complete denture prosthesis are:

Conventional complete dentures: Dentures that are made after the patient's gums have healed following tooth extractions, typically after several months.

Immediate complete dentures: Dentures that are placed immediately after tooth extractions and serve as a temporary solution until the mouth has healed and a permanent prosthesis can be made. Both types of complete dentures can be fabricated using various materials, such as acrylic resin or porcelain, and are designed to restore the patient's ability to bite and chew, improve their appearance, and provide support for the facial muscles. The choice of conventional or immediate dentures will depend on the individual patient's needs and oral health.