A definition of prosthetic dentistry

Area of Science:

• Dental Science
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Existing definitions of prosthetic dentistry often focus on technical aspects.
• A need exists for a more precise and contemporary definition of the discipline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new core definition for prosthetic dentistry.
• To base the new definition on a critical review of existing definitions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of clinical textbooks in prosthetic dentistry and dental implantology.
• Inclusion of medical and dental glossaries in the review process.

Main Results:

• Two primary categories of definitions were identified: technologic focus (prosthesis fabrication) and functional focus (restoration of oral function).
• Recent publications increasingly incorporate the functional aims of prosthetic treatment, with over half of reviewed citations referencing these objectives.

Conclusions:

• Prosthodontics is defined as the dental discipline addressing the consequences of congenital absence or acquired loss of oral tissues.
• The definition includes the methods used and the assessment of benefit versus harm from alloplastic materials in artificial devices.