Protetiikan

Protetiikan, translated as prosthetics in English, is the field concerned with the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial devices used to replace missing body parts or oral structures. In Finnish usage the term broadly covers both dental prosthetics (prosthodontics) and limb prosthetics, depending on context. In dentistry, protetiikka includes crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants to restore function, aesthetics, and oral health. In medicine more generally, the field covers artificial limbs for the upper and lower extremities, as well as other external or implanted devices.

Key activities in protetiikan include patient assessment, impression taking or digital scanning, design planning, fabrication, fitting, alignment, and ongoing adjustment. Modern practice increasingly incorporates digital technologies such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), 3D printing, and digital imaging to improve precision and customization. Surgical and rehabilitation aspects are also integrated, especially in dental implant placement and post-fitting therapy for limb prosthetics.

History of protetiikan spans from early, rudimentary devices in ancient civilizations to sophisticated modern prostheses. Developments such as osseointegration for implants and myoelectric control for limbs have significantly expanded function and comfort. Materials science, biomechanics, and surface engineering continue to drive improvements in durability, fit, and intuitive use.

Professionals involved include prosthodontists in dentistry and prosthetists or orthotists in limb prosthetics, often working within multidisciplinary teams that include surgeons, therapists, and engineers. Education emphasizes anatomy, materials science, biomechanics, patient-centered care, and ethics, including access, safety, and long-term maintenance. The field remains dynamic, with ongoing advances in materials, digital workflows, and personalized manufacturing aimed at enhanced quality of life for users.