Prostodonti

Prostodonti, known in English as prosthodontics, is the dental specialty dedicated to restoring and replacing teeth and related oral structures to reestablish function, comfort, and appearance. Practitioners plan comprehensive rehabilitation by evaluating the condition of teeth, gums, bone, and soft tissues, and by considering esthetic and functional demands. The field emphasizes designing long-term solutions that preserve remaining dentition and improve quality of life for patients with tooth loss or damaged dentition.

Key areas include fixed prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays), removable prosthodontics (complete and partial dentures), and implant prosthodontics (crowns or bridges supported by dental implants, and overdenture options). Maxillofacial prosthetics is a subfield that involves creating prostheses for facial or intraoral defects, such as obturators after maxillary surgery or ocular prostheses. The discipline also addresses occlusion and jaw function and may manage temporomandibular disorders and rehabilitative needs after trauma or congenital defects.

Training typically requires a dental degree followed by a specialized residency in prosthodontics, lasting several years and often culminating in certification or board examinations in many countries. Prosthodontists work in universities, specialty clinics, hospitals, and private practice, frequently in collaboration with orthodontists, periodontists, oral surgeons, and oncologic specialists. Advances in materials, digital design, and implant technology have expanded practice options, including CAD/CAM restorations and streamlined implant workflows.

The overarching goal is to restore chewing efficiency, speech, aesthetics, and overall patient well-being through durable, functionally sound restorations tailored to individual needs. Ethical care emphasizes conservative preparation, accurate impressions, and long-term maintenance.