Prosthodontics
Core Concepts
Prosthodontics involves the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and oral tissues. Candidates must understand removable prosthodontics (complete and partial dentures), fixed prosthodontics (crowns, bridges), and implant prosthodontics. Key concepts include occlusion, impression techniques, jaw relations, and material selection. Also, knowledge of treatment planning, including considerations for abutment selection and biomechanics, is essential.
Common Traps
Questions often test the indications for different prosthesis types: a fixed bridge requires healthy abutments; a removable partial denture may be indicated when multiple teeth are missing and implants are not feasible. Another trap is the correct sequence for complete denture fabrication: primary impressions, final impressions, jaw relation records, trial insertion, and delivery. Also, be aware of the differences between porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-ceramic crowns.
Worked Example / Rule of Thumb
A patient with a single missing premolar and healthy adjacent teeth desires a fixed solution. A three-unit fixed dental prosthesis is appropriate. Rule of thumb: always consider the long-term prognosis of abutment teeth and the patient's oral hygiene before recommending a fixed prosthesis.