Dental prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the restoration of damaged teeth and/or replacement of missing teeth and aims at complete oral rehabilitation both functionally and esthetically.
What treatments do prosthodontists perform?
Among the many treatments that can be performed, there are basically two main branches.
On the one hand, there are fixed prostheses, which are those that the patient cannot remove by himself and are made on teeth or on implants either to replace absences or to restore the aesthetics or functionality of the teeth. On teeth we can make crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays and on implants crown bridges or complete rehabilitations.
On the other hand, removable prostheses are those that the patient can remove by himself and replace missing teeth.
There are many varieties depending on the number of teeth to be replaced and the type of material to be used.
What are the benefits of these techniques?
The main benefit is the rehabilitation of the patient’s oral function. The fact of recovering the chewing function is the main benefit, taking into account that the absence of one or more teeth can lead to other systemic problems such as gastric problems due to poor crushing of food in the mouth.
Another of the most important benefits and usually the most demanded by the patient is the rehabilitation of the aesthetic function, either by absences in the anterior sector or by wanting to change color and / or shape of the teeth. Sometimes we can even correct the position of the teeth.
On the other hand, but no less important, we also contribute to the rehabilitation of phonation. It is impossible to pronounce certain words without the teeth, since the tongue uses the teeth to pronounce them.
How are the results of prosthodontics?
The results are excellent. For the results to be satisfactory it is always necessary to take into account the economic possibilities of the patient, obviously his opinion in all the tests before the final placement since it is he who will wear the prosthesis and finally always be advised by a professional in the field.
Sometimes patients get carried away by the opinions of family members, colleagues or friends and it is very important to keep in mind that each patient needs a diagnosis and treatment completely different from another person.
Are there any risks for the patient’s oral health?
No prosthodontic treatment is harmful to the patient’s health as long as a correct clinical history is taken prior to treatment. The materials used are totally biocompatible in the oral environment and in the case of any allergy on the part of the patient there are other materials to offer to meet the objective of reestablishing all the needs that the patient requires.
For more information, please consult a specialist in Dentistry.