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The evidence base for current practices in prosthodontics
1University of Liverpool, School of Dental Studies, Liverpool Dental School, Liverpool, UK. charwood@liverpool.ac.uk
Summary
As the population ages, more patients need dental prosthetics, making evidence-based choices crucial. This review assesses current prosthodontic practices using randomized controlled trials and other studies.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- Evidence-based practice
Background:
- The global population is aging, leading to an increase in edentulous and partially dentate patients.
- The wide array of available treatments complicates treatment selection for dental professionals.
- There is a growing need for robust evidence to guide prosthodontic decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence base for prosthodontic practices.
- To evaluate the quality and scope of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and observational studies in prosthodontics.
- To identify gaps and future directions for advancing evidence-based prosthodontics.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature focusing on prosthodontic treatments.
- Inclusion of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Consideration of systematic reviews and observational studies to provide a comprehensive overview.
Main Results:
- An increasing number of RCTs are being published in prosthodontics.
- Commercially attractive areas like denture hygiene and dental implants show a rise in research.
- The evidence base varies across different prosthodontic domains.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based prosthodontics is essential due to demographic shifts.
- Further research, particularly high-quality RCTs, is needed to strengthen the evidence base.
- Strategic focus on advancing research is required to meet clinical needs.
