Prosthodontics
Encyclopedia
Prosthodontics, also known as dental prosthetics or prosthetic dentistry, is one of nine dental specialties
recognized by the American Dental Association
, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
. 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 deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.Prosthodontists have been consistently ranked at 6th or 7th positions by Forbes among America's most competitive and highest salaried jobs.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, a prosthodontist is a dentist who:
In Canada, prosthodontics speciality programs are available at University of Montréal, University of Toronto and UBC.
. Training consists of rigorous clinical and didactic preparation in the basic sciences, head and neck anatomy
, biomedical sciences, biomaterial sciences, function of occlusion (bite), TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder
), and treatment planning and experience treating full-mouth reconstruction cases, and esthetics. Due to this extensive training, prosthodontists are required to treat complex cases, full-mouth rehabilitation, TMJ related disorders, congenital disorder
s, and sleep apnea
by planning and fabricating various prostheses. There are only 3,200 prosthodontists in comparison to 170,000 general dentists in the United States. Prosthodontists have been consistently ranked at 6th or 7th positions by Forbes among America's most competitive and highest salaried jobs,
Board certification is awarded through the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP) and requires successful completion of the Part I written examination and Part 2, 3 and 4 oral examinations. There are approximately 1000 diplomates so far, thus making them highly qualified. The written and one oral examination may be taken during the 3rd year of speciality training and the remaining two oral examinations taken following completion of speciality training. Board eligibility starts when an application is approved by the ABP and lasts for six years. Diplomates of the ABP are ethically required to have a practice limited to prosthodontics. Fellows of the American College of Prosthodontists (FACP) are required to have a dental degree, have completed three years of prosthodontic speciality training, and be board certified by the ABP.
According to the ADA, specialties are recognized in those areas where advanced knowledge and skills are essential to maintain or restore oral health (Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct). Not all areas in dentistry will satisfy the requirements for specialty recognition. However, the public and profession benefit substantially when non-specialty groups develop and advance areas of interest through education, practice and research. Acknowledged by the profession, the contributions of such and their endeavors are encouraged. There is no such thing as "Cosmetic Dentistry" and the American Dental Association does not recognize "Cosmetic Dentistry" as a speciality. Prosthodontics is the only dental speciality under which the concentration of cosmetic/esthetic dentistry falls. General dentists may perform some simple cosmetic procedures. However, there are questions regarding whether it is ethical for general dentists to treat "smile makeovers" or complex cosmetic and full-mouth reconstruction cases, as they are not qualified to address the complex needs of the patient. (Felton D. Ethics, Dentistry, and the Prosthodontist. J of Prosthodont. 2009;18(4):291-291.), Likewise, there is no specialty recognized by the ADA for dental implants.
, Speech-aid prosthesis (formerly called as Pharyngeal/Soft Palate Obturators) and Mandibular-Resection prostheses are the most common prostheses planned and fabricated by Maxillofacial Prosthodontists. Other types of prostheses include artificial eyes, nose and other facial prostheses fabricated in conjunction with an anaplastologist.
Treatment is multidisciplinary involving oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, ENT doctors, oncologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals.
To be qualified as a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist in the United States, an additional year of training is required following completion of the certificate for speciality training in prosthodontics. Due to their extensive training in prosthetic reconstruction, breadth of knowledge and capability of handling most types of complex cases, Maxillofacial Prosthodontists are often referred to as "Bullet-Proof" dentists.
Scientific journals
Specialty (dentistry)
In the United States, Canada, and Australia, there are nine recognized dental specialties in which some dentists choose to train and practice, in addition to or instead of general dentistry....
recognized by the American Dental Association
American Dental Association
The American Dental Association is an American professional association established in 1859 which has more than 155,000 members. Based in Chicago, the ADA is the world's largest and oldest national dental association and promotes good oral health to the public while representing the dental...
, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons or RACDS is a professional college established in 1965 that administers Fellowship Exams for both general and specialist dental practitioners in the Australasian region...
. 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 deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.Prosthodontists have been consistently ranked at 6th or 7th positions by Forbes among America's most competitive and highest salaried jobs.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, a prosthodontist is a dentist who:
- Specializes in the esthetic (cosmetic) restoration and replacement of teeth.
- Receives three to four years of additional training after dental school.
- Restores optimum appearance and function to your smile. The treatment planning and restoration of implants, temporomandibular joint disorderTemporomandibular joint disorderTemporomandibular joint disorder , or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment...
, and rehabilitation of occlusion with prostheses all fall under the field of prosthodontics.
Australia
Australian programs are accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and are 3 years in length and culminate with either a Master degree (MDS), a Master of Dental Science (MDSc) or a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree (DClinDent). Fellowship can then be obtained with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, FRACDS (Pros).Canada
Canadian programs are accredited by the (CDAC) and are a minimum of three years in length and usually culminate with a master (MSc or MDent) degree. Graduates are then eligible to sit for the Fellowship exams with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCD (C)).In Canada, prosthodontics speciality programs are available at University of Montréal, University of Toronto and UBC.
USA
The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) ensures standards are maintained in the field. Becoming a prosthodontist requires an additional three years of postgraduate specialty training after obtaining a dental degreeDental degree
There are a number of first professional degrees in dentistry offered by schools in various countries around the world. These include the following:* Doctor of Dental Surgery * Doctor of Dental Medicine * Bachelor of Dentistry...
. Training consists of rigorous clinical and didactic preparation in the basic sciences, head and neck anatomy
Head and neck anatomy
Head and neck anatomy focuses on the structures of the head and neck of the human body, including the brain, bones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, glands, nose, mouth, teeth, tongue, and throat...
, biomedical sciences, biomaterial sciences, function of occlusion (bite), TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder , or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment...
), and treatment planning and experience treating full-mouth reconstruction cases, and esthetics. Due to this extensive training, prosthodontists are required to treat complex cases, full-mouth rehabilitation, TMJ related disorders, congenital disorder
Congenital disorder
A congenital disorder, or congenital disease, is a condition existing at birth and often before birth, or that develops during the first month of life , regardless of causation...
s, and sleep apnea
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing, during sleep. Each pause in breathing, called an apnea, can last from a few seconds to minutes, and may occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. Similarly, each abnormally low...
by planning and fabricating various prostheses. There are only 3,200 prosthodontists in comparison to 170,000 general dentists in the United States. Prosthodontists have been consistently ranked at 6th or 7th positions by Forbes among America's most competitive and highest salaried jobs,
Board certification is awarded through the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP) and requires successful completion of the Part I written examination and Part 2, 3 and 4 oral examinations. There are approximately 1000 diplomates so far, thus making them highly qualified. The written and one oral examination may be taken during the 3rd year of speciality training and the remaining two oral examinations taken following completion of speciality training. Board eligibility starts when an application is approved by the ABP and lasts for six years. Diplomates of the ABP are ethically required to have a practice limited to prosthodontics. Fellows of the American College of Prosthodontists (FACP) are required to have a dental degree, have completed three years of prosthodontic speciality training, and be board certified by the ABP.
According to the ADA, specialties are recognized in those areas where advanced knowledge and skills are essential to maintain or restore oral health (Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct). Not all areas in dentistry will satisfy the requirements for specialty recognition. However, the public and profession benefit substantially when non-specialty groups develop and advance areas of interest through education, practice and research. Acknowledged by the profession, the contributions of such and their endeavors are encouraged. There is no such thing as "Cosmetic Dentistry" and the American Dental Association does not recognize "Cosmetic Dentistry" as a speciality. Prosthodontics is the only dental speciality under which the concentration of cosmetic/esthetic dentistry falls. General dentists may perform some simple cosmetic procedures. However, there are questions regarding whether it is ethical for general dentists to treat "smile makeovers" or complex cosmetic and full-mouth reconstruction cases, as they are not qualified to address the complex needs of the patient. (Felton D. Ethics, Dentistry, and the Prosthodontist. J of Prosthodont. 2009;18(4):291-291.), Likewise, there is no specialty recognized by the ADA for dental implants.
Maxillofacial prosthodontics/prosthetics
Maxillofacial prosthetics is a sub-specialty or often called as super-specialty of prosthodontics. All Maxillofacial Prosthodontists are prosthodontists first and then attain a fellowship training (1 year) exclusively in Maxillofacial Prosthetics. Maxillofacial prosthodontists treat patients who have acquired and congenital defects of the head and neck (maxillofacial) region due to cancer, surgery, trauma, and/or birth defects. Maxillary obturatorsPalatal obturator
A palatal obturator is a prosthesis that totally occludes an opening such as an orinasal fistula . They are similar to dental retainers, but without the front wire. Palatal obturators are typically short-term prosthetics used to close defects of the hard/soft palate that may affect speech...
, Speech-aid prosthesis (formerly called as Pharyngeal/Soft Palate Obturators) and Mandibular-Resection prostheses are the most common prostheses planned and fabricated by Maxillofacial Prosthodontists. Other types of prostheses include artificial eyes, nose and other facial prostheses fabricated in conjunction with an anaplastologist.
Treatment is multidisciplinary involving oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, ENT doctors, oncologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals.
To be qualified as a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist in the United States, an additional year of training is required following completion of the certificate for speciality training in prosthodontics. Due to their extensive training in prosthetic reconstruction, breadth of knowledge and capability of handling most types of complex cases, Maxillofacial Prosthodontists are often referred to as "Bullet-Proof" dentists.
Conditions
- Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jawsBisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jawsBisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw, often abbreviated as BON, BON of the jaw or even BRONJ, is a recently discovered dental phenomenon that may lead to surgical complication in the form of impaired wound healing following oral or periodontal surgery or endodontic therapy.There is...
- BruxismBruxismBruxism is characterized by the grinding of the teeth and typically includes the clenching of the jaw. It is an oral parafunctional activity that occurs in most humans at some time in their lives. In most people, bruxism is mild enough not to be a health problem...
- Dental Phobia
- EdentulismEdentulismEdentulism is the condition of being toothless to at least some degree; it is the result of tooth loss. Loss of some teeth results in partial edentulism, while loss of all teeth results in complete edentulism....
- Occlusal traumaOcclusal traumaOcclusal trauma is a dental term that refers to the damage incurred when teeth are left in traumatic occlusion without proper treatment.When the maxillary and mandibular dental arches approach each together, as they do, for example, during chewing or at rest, the relationship between the opposing...
- Temporomandibular joint disorderTemporomandibular joint disorderTemporomandibular joint disorder , or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment...
Treatment modalities
- Akers' ClaspAkers' claspAn Akers' clasp is the classic direct retainer for removable partial dentures. Named after its inventor, Polk E. Akers, this suprabulge clasp consists of a rest, a guide plate, a retentive arm and a reciprocal arm. Akers' clasps, as a rule, face away from an edentulous area. Should they face the...
- Amalgam (dentistry)Amalgam (dentistry)Amalgam is an alloy containing mercury. The term is commonly used for the amalgam employed as material for dental fillings, which consists of mercury , silver , tin , copper , and other trace metals...
- Bridge (dentistry)Bridge (dentistry)A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants....
- Centric relationCentric relationIn dentistry, centric relation is the mandibular jaw position in which the head of the condyle is situated as far anterior and superior as it possibly can within the mandibular fossa/glenoid fossa....
- Commonly used terms of relationship and comparison in dentistryCommonly used terms of relationship and comparison in dentistryThere are numerous commonly used terms of relationship and comparison that refer to different aspects of teeth and are frequently utilized in articles about dentistry...
- Crown (dentistry)Crown (dentistry)A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, which...
- Crown lengtheningCrown lengtheningCrown lengthening is a surgical procedure performed by a dentist to expose a greater amount of tooth structure for the purpose of subsequently restoring the tooth prosthetically...
- Crown-to-root ratioCrown-to-root ratioCrown-to-root-ratio is the ratio of the length of the part of a tooth that appears above the alveolar bone versus what lies below it. It is an important consideration in the diagnosis, treatment planning and restoration of teeth, one that hopefully guides the plan of treatment to the proper end...
- Curve of speeCurve of speeIn Anatomy, the Curve of Spee is defined as the curvature of the mandibular occlusal plane beginning at the tip of the lower cuspid and following the buccal cusps of the posterior teeth, continuing to the terminal molar...
- Dental implantDental implantA dental implant is a "root" device, usually made of titanium, used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth....
- Dental SurgeryDental surgeryDental surgery is any of a number of medical procedures that involve artificially modifying dentition, in other words surgery of the teeth and jaw bones.-Types:Some of the more common are:...
- DenturesDenturesDentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable, however there are many different denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental...
- Fixed prosthodonticsFixed prosthodonticsFixed prosthodontics in dentistry is a technique used to restore teeth, using fixed restorations , which include crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers. Prosthodontists are specialist dentists who have undertaken training recognized by academic institutions in this field...
- Head and neck anatomyHead and neck anatomyHead and neck anatomy focuses on the structures of the head and neck of the human body, including the brain, bones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, glands, nose, mouth, teeth, tongue, and throat...
- Inlays and onlays
- OcclusionOcclusion (dentistry)Occlusion, in a dental context, means simply the contact between teeth. More technically, it is the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular teeth when they approach each other, as occurs during chewing or at rest....
- Removable partial denturesRemovable partial denturesA removable partial denture is for a partially edentulous dental patient who desires to have replacement teeth for functional or aesthetic reasons, and who cannot have a bridge for any number of reasons, such as a lack of required teeth to serve as support for a bridge A removable partial denture...
- RPIRPIRPI is an abbreviation for a number of terms, including* Ratings Percentage Index, the NCAA ranking system * Recognition Professionals International* Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a university in Troy, New York...
See also
- Craniofacial prosthesisCraniofacial prosthesisCraniofacial prostheses are prostheses made by individuals trained in anaplastology or maxillofacial prosthodontics who medically help rehabilitate those suffering from facial defects caused by disease , trauma or birth defects...
- Dental restorationDental restorationA dental restoration or dental filling is a dental restorative material used to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma. It is also lost intentionally during tooth preparation to improve the...
- Fixed prosthodonticsFixed prosthodonticsFixed prosthodontics in dentistry is a technique used to restore teeth, using fixed restorations , which include crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers. Prosthodontists are specialist dentists who have undertaken training recognized by academic institutions in this field...
- OcularistOcularistAn ocularist is someone who specializes in the fabrication and fitting of ocular prostheses for people who have lost an eye or eyes due to trauma or illness...
- Cosmetic dentistryCosmetic dentistryCosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance of a person's teeth, gums and/or bite. Many dentists refer to themselves as "cosmetic dentists" regardless of their specific education, specialty, training, and experience in this field...
External links
Societies and organizations- About Prosthodontics
- Academy of Australian and New Zealand Prosthodontists
- The Academy of Dental Materials
- Academy of Osseointegration
- The Academy of Prosthodontics
- The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry
- The American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics
- American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics
- American Board of Prosthodontics
- American College of Prosthodontists
- American Dental Association
- American Prosthodontic Society
- The Association of Prosthodontists of Canada
- Australian Dental Association
- Australian Prosthodontic Society
- British Society of Oral Implantology
- British Society for the Study of Prosthetic Dentistry
- Dental Council of India
- International College of Prosthodontists
- Irish Prosthodontic Society
- The Japan Prosthodontic Society
- Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society
- Prosthodontic Society of Ireland
Scientific journals
- British Dental Journal
- Dental Materials
- European Journal of Oral Implantology
- The International Journal of Prosthodontics
- The Journal of Adhesive Dentistry
- The Journal of Dental Research
- The Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society
- The International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants
- Journal of Orofacial Pain
- Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
- The Journal of Prosthodontics