Prosthodontics
What the exam expects
This domain covers complete and partial denture design, fixed prosthodontics, occlusion, implant prosthetics, and materials. Questions often test design principles and the consequences of violating them.
Core concepts to master
- Complete dentures: support, stability, retention; border molding; neutral zone; balanced occlusion; resorption patterns; and the role of the polished surface.
- Removable partial dentures: Kennedy classification, Applegate rules, rests and rest seats, major and minor connectors, clasp design, and the principle of cross-arch stabilization.
- Fixed prosthodontics: preparation design (reduction, finish line, path of insertion), impression and provisionalization, margin fit, and cementation.
- Occlusion: centric relation vs maximum intercuspation, mutually protected occlusion, and group function.
- Implant prosthetics: fixture position, emergence profile, screw- vs cement-retained, and occlusal load control.
Traps
- Classifying a partially edentulous arch by the tooth missing rather than by the most posterior edentulous span (Applegate rule 1).
- Assuming more clasps always improve retention; flexibility and reciprocation matter more.
- Confusing retention (resists vertical dislodgement) with stability (resists horizontal forces) and support (resists vertical seating forces).
- Ignoring that centric relation and maximum intercuspation may not coincide.
Rule of thumb
For RPD items, apply Applegate's rules in order: classify by the most posterior edentulous area, then consider modifications, then extractions that would change classification. Worked example: a patient missing the maxillary left first molar and all maxillary right posterior teeth is Kennedy Class II, not Class III, because the most posterior edentulous span is unilateral.