Prosthodontics is a dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues. A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in this area. For instance, individuals requiring dentures, dental implants, crowns, bridges, or treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may be referred for specialized care.
The importance of prosthodontic treatment lies in its ability to restore not only aesthetics but also essential functions such as chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper occlusion. Such treatments can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and self-esteem. Historically, prosthodontics has evolved from simple tooth replacements to sophisticated techniques involving advanced materials and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies.
