Dictionary:
pros·tho·don·tics (prŏs'thə-dŏn'tĭks)  |
[PROSTH(ESIS) + -ODONT(IA) + -ICS.]
prosthodontic pros'tho·don'tic adj.| 5min Related Video: prosthodontics |
| Dental Dictionary: prosthodontics |
The part of dentistry pertaining to the restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient by the replacement of missing teeth and contiguous tissues with artificial substitutes. Prosthodontics has three main branches: removable prosthodontics, fixed prosthodontics, and maxillofacial prosthetics.
| Veterinary Dictionary: prosthodontics |
A specialty in dentistry concerned with the restoration of damaged or missing teeth.
| Wikipedia: Prosthodontics |
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The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. |
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 [1].
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in prosthodontics, the specialty of esthetic and reconstructive dentistry. Prosthodontists restore oral function through prostheses and restorations (i.e., complete dentures, crowns, implant retained/supported restorations). The treatment planning and restoration of implants, temporomandibular joint disorder, and rehabilitation of occlusion with prostheses all fall under the field of prosthodontics.
Of the more than 170,000 dentists in the United States, about 3,200 are prosthodontists. [2]
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Training in prosthodontics in Australia consists of a three year postgraduate specialty training program that culminates in a DClinDent (Doctor of Clinical Dentistry) degree and certification as a specialist in prosthodontics. Fellowship status can then be obtained through the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons ( FRACDS (Pros)) by completing the Final Fellowship examinations.
The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) [3] ensures standards are maintained in the field. Becoming a prosthodontist requires an additional three years of postgraduate specialty training after obtaining a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. 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 disorders, and sleep apnea by planning and fabricating various prostheses.
Board certification is awarded through the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP) [4] and requires successful completion of the Part I written examination and Part 2, 3 and 4 oral examinations. There are approximately 800 diplomates, making them highly qualified [5]. 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 [6]. 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. [7]. The ADA 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 many cosmetic procedures. However, there are questions regarding whether it is ethical for general dentists to treat 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.) [8].
Maxillofacial prosthodontics is a subspecialty of prosthodontics. Maxillofacial prosthodontists treat patients who have acquired and congenital defects of the head and neck (maxillofacial) region due to surgery, trauma, and/or birth defects. Maxillary obturators and mandibular resection prostheses are the most common prostheses planned and fabricated by maxillofacial prosthodontists. [9] Other less commonly employed prostheses include mouth devices used by amputees to aid in daily activities, artifical eyes, nose and other facial prostheses fabricated in conjunction with an anaplastologist. [10]
Treatment is multidisciplinary involving oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons, 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. [1] Due to extensive training, breadth of knowledge, and capability of handling such complex cases, Maxillofacial Prosthodontists are often referred to as "Bullet-Proof" dentists. [2]
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 | Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Dental Dictionary. Mosby's Dental Dictionary. Copyright © 2004 by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Prosthodontics". Read more |
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