Prosthodontics is that branch of dentistry which deals with the restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient by the restoration of the missing natural teeth. It also deals with the replacement of missing teeth and contiguous oral and maxillofacial tissues with artificial substitutes. This discipline includes Fixed, Removable, Maxillofacial and Implant Prosthodontics .
The area in which the Prosthodontist specializes are:
Removable Prosthodontics: It is that branch of Prosthodontics concerned with the replacement of teeth and contiguous structures for patients who have few or no teeth at all, with the help of artificial substitutes that are removable from the mouth. Such prostheses include complete and partial removable dentures.
Fixed Prosthodontics: It is that branch of Prosthodontics concerned with the restoration and/or replacement of teeth by artificial substitutes, which are not removable from the mouth. Such restorations include crowns, fixed partial dentures (bridges), esthetic veneers, and restoring surgically placed implants.
Implant Prosthodontics: It is that branch that deals with dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement crown or bridge in place. The treatment can be more conservative than the traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support
Prosthodontists have the advanced knowledge necessary to help provide treatment for birth defects such as cleft palate, conditions such as traumatic injury, and complex restorations for patients who have undergone surgical or radiation treatment for cancer.
