Primary Oral Health Care in Reducing Prosthodontic Burden: A Review

The cumulative effect of untreated oral illnesses, tooth loss, and functional degradation over time is represented by prosthodontic treatment demands. Due to aging populations, high rates of periodontal disease and tooth caries, limited access to early dental treatment, and socioeconomic inequities, prosthodontic care is becoming more and more necessary in many communities, especially in low- and middle-income nations. In order to lessen this prosthodontic load, Primary Oral Health Care (POHC), which is based on the ideas of prevention, early intervention, equality, and community involvement, is essential. In this narrative review, the conceptual framework of POHC is explored, the etiological pathways leading to prosthodontic need are examined, and the effectiveness of primary oral health strategies in reducing tooth loss, delaying prosthetic rehabilitation, and improving oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is critically examined. In order to lessen the long-term prosthodontic load, the analysis emphasizes policy implications, workforce issues, and future objectives for incorporating POHC into complete oral health systems.