What is prosthetic dentistry?
Prosthetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry focused on restoring severely damaged or missing teeth. It uses various modern dental constructions such as dentures, bridges, and crowns. Natural teeth, the mucosa, or implants can support these. The main goal is to restore function, aesthetics, and chewing comfort while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. Classical treatment includes dentures, bridges, and crowns, while modern approaches also include minimally invasive restorations such as inlays, onlays, and overlays.
When is prosthetic treatment needed?
Dental prosthetics such as dentures, bridges, and crowns are indicated in cases of:
- severely destroyed teeth due to caries
- fractures and trauma
- missing teeth
- congenital absence of teeth (hypodontia)
Types of restorations for damaged teeth
In cases of mild to moderate tooth destruction, minimally invasive restorations are used to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible, such as:
1. Inlay:
Partial restorations for limited defects
2. Onlay
Restoration for larger defects on the chewing surface
3. Overlay
Covers a larger portion of the tooth for reinforcement
4. Dental crowns
Used for severely destroyed teeth
Types of restorations for missing teeth
When teeth are missing or cannot be treated conservatively, prosthetic dentistry offers the following solutions:
1. Dental bridges
Fixed constructions supported by adjacent teeth
2. Implant-supported restorations
The most modern solution for missing teeth
3. Removable dentures
Used for more extensive tooth loss and as a more economical option
Treatment planning:
Every prosthetic treatment begins with detailed planning. An analysis of existing teeth, bone structure, and overall oral health is performed.
In certain cases, preliminary preparation of the oral cavity is required, after which the prosthetic phase begins in order to achieve a functional and long-lasting result.
Treatment stages:
- consultation and diagnosis
- treatment planning
- tooth preparation and/or implant placement
- fabrication of restorations
- final placement and adaptation
Advantages of modern prosthetics
- restored chewing function
- natural aesthetic result
- long-term durability of restorations
- improved quality of life
Patient preparation before prosthetic treatment:
The fabrication of dentures, bridges, and crowns is the final step of a long and complex treatment process. These are restorative constructions supported by biological structures such as teeth and bone.
It is important that before prosthetic treatment, the patient has undergone successful periodontal therapy. All carious lesions and other dental diseases must also be treated. Prosthetic treatment has a high risk of failure if these steps are not properly completed.
After placement of the constructions, hygiene and access to certain areas become more difficult. Over time this may lead to deterioration of the supporting structures, regardless of the quality of the prosthetic work.
Duration of prosthetic treatment?
Classical prosthetic treatment is usually completed within 2–5 visits, depending on the clinical case and type of restoration. Time between stages is required and depends on the dental laboratory. During conventional fabrication of dentures, bridges, and crowns, a temporary restoration is provided to maintain aesthetics until final cementation.
When implants are involved, the process is longer and includes additional surgical stages that vary depending on bone conditions and the planned prosthetic outcome.
Care of restorations?
The importance of oral hygiene in prosthetic restorations cannot be overstated. Even the most precisely fabricated restorations depend on long-term patient care. After treatment, specific maintenance and follow-up instructions are provided.
Poor hygiene significantly increases the risk of disease development. This may compromise the stability of the restorations and lead to their loss. Regular check-ups are essential for monitoring this process.