Prosthetic dental treatment, commonly used in many areas of dentistry, involves a range of procedures. It aims to restore the aesthetic appearance of lost or damaged teeth using prosthetics. It’s often applied in cases where treatment has been delayed.
So, what exactly is prosthetic dental treatment and how is it done? What are its advantages?
What is prosthetic dental treatment?
Prosthetic dental treatment is recommended for individuals who have lost teeth or suffered tooth damage due to various reasons. Using custom-made artificial teeth and crowns, both the appearance and function of the teeth are restored.
This treatment is tailored to the patient’s health condition and specific needs. It includes procedures such as dentures, crowns, bridges, and implant-supported prosthetics. The prosthetics may be full or partial depending on the case.
These procedures are performed by prosthodontists — dental professionals who specialise in prosthetic solutions. They help restore both the function and appearance of teeth, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life.
Why is prosthetic dental treatment done?
Teeth can become damaged for many reasons. This may result in tooth loss or fractured teeth. Such damage often leads to other health problems and discomfort. To prevent these issues and restore an aesthetically pleasing smile, prosthetic dental treatments are applied.
Reasons for seeking prosthetic dental treatment include:
- Replacing missing teeth
- Repairing damaged teeth
- Improving aesthetic appearance
- Restoring chewing and speaking functions
- Repairing enamel to improve speech clarity
- Restoring oral structure
- Supporting orthodontic treatments
- Correcting misshapen, rough, or chipped enamel
Who is prosthetic dental treatment for?
Prosthetic dental treatment is generally applied in cases where a tooth cannot be saved — meaning treatment was delayed. People who may need this treatment include:
- Those with missing teeth: Tooth loss can affect both oral health and appearance. Bridges or implant-supported prostheses can be used to fill in the gaps and restore function and aesthetics.
- Those with damaged teeth: Teeth may be damaged due to decay, breakage, or erosion. Prosthetics help restore their function and appearance.
- People seeking aesthetic improvements: Those unhappy with the colour, shape, or size of their teeth may benefit from prosthetic solutions.
- Individuals needing oral structural restoration: Gum disease, trauma, or other conditions can disrupt oral structure, which prosthetic treatment can help rebuild.
- Those with jawbone deformities: Misaligned jawbones may impair dental function. Prosthetic treatment can help correct this.
- Elderly individuals with oral issues: Age-related dental problems can often be treated with prosthetic methods.
What are the advantages of prosthetic dental treatment?
The main advantages of prosthetic dental treatment include:
- Restoring aesthetic colour, shape, and size of teeth
- Regaining chewing and speaking functions
- Boosting self-confidence with improved appearance
- Protecting oral and jaw health
- Correcting intraoral structure
- Preventing health issues caused by tooth loss
- Improving quality of life
- Providing long-term solutions
- Offering comfort in the mouth
- Supporting facial structure
What types of procedures are used in prosthetic dental treatment?
There are many procedures used in prosthetic dentistry. The specific method depends on the patient, as oral health issues vary. This individualisation results in different procedures for each case.
The main methods include:
- Dentures: These can be full or partial. Full dentures replace all missing teeth, while partial dentures fill in only a few gaps.
- Bridges: Used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the surrounding healthy teeth.
- Ceramic Crowns: Applied when enamel erosion, decay, or breakage occurs. Ceramic crowns restore both function and aesthetics.
- Implants: A surgical method where titanium-supported implants are anchored into the jawbone to support prosthetics without affecting neighbouring teeth.
- Crowns: Commonly known as “caps,” these are custom-designed to cover the entire tooth for functional and aesthetic enhancement.
- Laminates and Veneers: Thin layers attached to the front surface of teeth for cosmetic improvements.
- Overdentures: A type of denture supported by implants or natural teeth.
How is prosthetic dental treatment done?
To achieve effective restoration, fixed, removable, and implant-supported prostheses are typically used. Procedures can be localised or more comprehensive. The main goal is to restore the natural look of tooth enamel.
Material selection depends on the patient's preferences and needs. Zirconia and laminate restorations are commonly chosen. Prosthodontists take a multidimensional approach to selecting the materials and methods.
General steps in prosthetic dental treatment include:
Examination: A detailed intraoral examination is performed to identify missing or damaged teeth and aesthetic concerns.
Treatment Planning: Based on the examination, the dentist creates a treatment plan and discusses procedures, materials, and timelines with the patient.
Preparation: The mouth is prepared for treatment. This may involve cleaning decay, reshaping teeth, or reducing tooth surface.
Taking Custom Impressions: Precise measurements of the mouth are taken to ensure the most accurate and comfortable fit. These are sent to a lab for custom prosthetic creation.
Temporary Prosthetics: If needed, temporary prosthetics are placed while the permanent ones are being made in the lab.
Pre-Fitting Trial: The prosthetic is tested in the mouth for fit. Adjustments are made as needed.
Final Fitting: The final porcelain prosthetic is evaluated for colour, weight, texture, and compatibility. Fine adjustments are made for a natural look and feel. Upon approval, it is sent back for polishing.
Polishing and Cementation: After final checks, the prosthetic is bonded using dental cement.
Routine Checkups and Adjustments: Regular follow-ups are recommended. Any necessary adjustments are made based on the patient’s experience with the prosthetic.
