Understanding prosthodontics--where did it all go wrong?

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Oral Anatomy

Background:

• Tooth loss leads to significant morphological changes in the maxilla and mandible.
• Understanding bone loss patterns post-extraction is crucial for patient management.
• Root retention or implants can mitigate post-extraction bone loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anatomical and physiological effects of tooth loss.
• To audit the teaching of complete denture prosthodontics over the past 30 years.
• To highlight the importance of patient awareness regarding edentulousness.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on anatomical and physiological changes post-tooth loss.
• Audit of prosthodontic teaching methodologies and curriculum over three decades.
• Analysis of factors impacting dental graduate preparedness in complete denture prosthodontics.

Main Results:

• Established evidence on post-extraction morphological changes in jaws and inter-maxillary relations.
• Identified root retention and implants as methods to reduce bone loss.
• Observed a decline in new graduates' preparedness for complete denture prosthodontics.

Conclusions:

• Clinician awareness of edentulousness effects is vital for patient empathy and informed consent.
• Reduced preparedness in new graduates stems from curriculum crowding, decreased lab hours, and limited clinical prosthodontic training.
• There is a need to re-evaluate dental education to ensure proficiency in complete denture prosthodontics.