What is Prosthodontics?

  • Definition: A dental specialty focused on the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and associated oral structures.

  • Scope: Includes crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, and implant-supported restorations.

  • Goal: Restore function (chewing, speaking), aesthetics (smile, facial structure), and oral health.

What are Dental Implants in Prosthodontics?

  • Implant basics:

    • A dental implant is a titanium (or zirconia) screw placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root.

    • It integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration.

    • After healing, a prosthetic crown, bridge, or denture is attached to restore missing teeth.

  • Role of prosthodontist with implants:

    • Treatment planning: Evaluate the patient’s bone, bite, and aesthetics.

    • Restorative phase: Fabricate and place the final prosthesis (crown, bridge, or denture) on the implant.

    • Complex cases: Handle full-mouth rehabilitations, implant-supported overdentures, or hybrid prostheses for edentulous patients.

Types of Prosthodontic Implant Restorations

  1. Single implant crown – replaces a single missing tooth.

  2. Implant-supported bridge – replaces multiple missing teeth without involving natural teeth.

  3. Implant-retained overdenture – denture “snaps” onto implants for better stability.

  4. Fixed hybrid prosthesis – full arch replacement (like “All-on-4” concept).