Introduction

• “There is only one cardinal rule: One must always listen to the patient.”

- Oliver Sacks

PROSTHODONTICS is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

Services provided in the department may include:

• Complete Dentures

• Removable Partial Dentures

• Fixed crowns and Bridges

• Implant suported Prsothesis

• Maxillofacial Prosthesis

• Cosmetic Restorations

• Treatment of TMJ Pain or Dysfunction

• Treatment of Congenital Deformities

AIM OF PROSTHODONTICS

• To improve the dentally crippled patient with artificial substitutes, i.e. restoration of missing or lost dentition & associated structures with a view to preserve what remains of the masticating apparatus, restore function and esthetics. A good, well made prosthesis reduces loss of bone, maintain good health and prevents future health problems in advanced age groups

• Elimination of oral disease to the greatest extent possible

• Preservation of health & relationships of the teeth & health of oral & paraoral structures (facial appearance)

• Restoration of oral functions with an esthetically pleasing end result.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PROSTHODONTICS

A. Provide clinical training in all aspects of prosthodontics including:

• proficiency in all aspects of prosthodontics;

• proficiency in diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of multi-disciplinary cases;

• to recruit and retain faculty with broad and varying backgrounds in clinical prosthodontics, who espouse diverse philosophies in patient care and prosthodontic procedures, and effectively communicate their knowledge and skills to residents.

B. Provide biologically and scientifically based education in order to:

• develop, monitor, and update all prosthodontic seminars and conferences to present contemporary, technologically, and biologically-oriented information;

• provide opportunities for scholarly activities, applied research, scientific articles, and clinical and/or research presentations.

C. Provide quality and professional care to all patients to:

• ensure ethical and professional conduct by all individuals involved in patient care;

• ensure proper care of all patients in the prosthodontic department;

• ensure patient satisfaction with the care they receive.