What are Removable Prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). Although prosthodontists are responsible for performing an incredibly wide variety of procedures on a daily basis, the basis of their practices revolves around dental restoration techniques. These techniques have changed over the years, with new methods and procedures being developed all of the time.

In the distant past, it was pretty much a given that any dental restoration techniques would involve removable prosthodontics. In other words, anyone going to a dentist to get help or treatment for missing teeth would only be presented with prosthodontic options that were not fixed in the mouth. Dentures and partials were basically the only options to help people restore their missing teeth.

These dental restoration methods—the removable prosthodontics—are still in use today; however, great strides have been made in dental technology. In many patients, prosthodontists are able to offer another option—fixed prosthodontics. Fixed prosthodontics—such as crowns, bridgework, and dental implants—can be used in many patients instead of dentures and partials.

However, there are still many patients for whom removable prosthodontics are still the best option. This could apply for patients who have very few teeth—and what teeth they do have are in poor condition—and who have suffered bone loss in their mouths to the point where installation of fixed prosthodontics would not be successful.

There are also patients for whom removable prosthodontics may be the only option. For instance, some patients may have severe periodontitis (advanced gum disease) which has caused the loss of many teeth. The remaining teeth may be in very poor health, with receded gums, severe bone loss, and a great deal of decay. For these patients, fixed prosthodontics really would not make much sense.

So, even though there have been numerous developments in the field of fixed prosthodontics, removable prosthodontics still have a solid standing in the field of prosthodontics.

When developing removable prosthodontics, prosthodontists and their dental assistants work diligently to make the best prosthetic device possible. This involves several steps and some time—a prosthetic device is not something that a patient can expect to take home the same day he is fitted for one.

The dental assistant usually takes a mold of the patient’s existing teeth and/or gums. Several impressions may, in fact, be made, depending upon the type of removable prosthodontist device needed.

These molds and impressions are used to build a realistic and natural-looking prosthetic device. Whether it is a partial or a full denture, the prosthodontist wants to create the best removable prosthodontic appliance possible. Prosthodontists understand that patients will be living with these prosthetic devices every day, and they want them to look as real as possible.

In addition, removable prosthodontic devices (as well as fixed prosthodontics) are rather expensive. Prosthodontists want to get all of the details done correctly the first time so that it is comfortable for the patient, while at the same time provides the functioning necessary and the natural look that the patient desires.