Prosthodontic in simple terms is the area of dentistry where dental prosthetics are used. Prosthetics can be defined as the use of artificial parts in the body or the face which includes dental too. Such artificial body or dental parts are used either to replace the missing or the lost part of the body.
In dental definitions Dental Prosthodontic Procedures involve such processes like bridges, Crowns, dental implants, dentures and veneers. Let us briefly touch upon these Prosthodontic procedures.
Bridges
This prosthodontic procedure involves replacing the missing tooth. To replace the missing tooth, a false tooth needs to be inserted between 2 tooth where there is a gap having a missing tooth. The adjacent tooth on either side of the missing tooth has to be prepared for a crown. Then the false tooth is attached to either side of the crowns thereby filling the missing tooth. These are permanent structures and cannot be removed.
Crowns
Dental crowns are also called dental caps. As the alternate name suggests, caps are artificial materials made to fit the upper part of the tooth. For fixing a crown or a cap, the tooth should be prepared by removing a small layer of the enamel. Then the crowns or caps are cemented with the teeth. Crowns can be used to fix missing teeth and they are also helpful in filling cavities.
Dental Implants
Implants are fixtures that are integrated into the bone. They are primarily used to replace one or many or all the teeth in the patient’s mouth.
Veneers
Veneers are made of porcelain or other materials and are normally thin shells that are bonded after etching the enamel of the teeth. They are used to modify the shape of the teeth, to give it a perfect look or to change a discolored tooth.
Dentures
When a patient has no natural teeth any longer because of old age or any untoward accidents, dentures are used. They are used to restore the appearance and for chewing purposes.