Intro to Partial Dentures

Question 1

causes of tooth loss 4

Answer 1

caries
periodontal disease
trauma
planned ortho extractions

Question 2

4 consequences of tooth loss

Answer 2

anatomical
aesthetic
functional
psychological

Question 3

4 anatomical changes from tooth loss

Answer 3

bone loss
lip support
tooth movement (over-eruption, drifting, tilting)
TMJ

Question 4

most important consequences of tooth loss and why

Answer 4

aesthetics- most common reason people request replacement of missing teeth

Question 5

does losing posterior teeth affect function? implications of this

Answer 5

no, can function well on 5-5 (shortened dental arch concept)

may not replace teeth, but pt may still want teeth replaced

Question 6

4 options for replacing teeth

Answer 6

dentures
bridges
implants
nothing

Question 7

advantages of fixed bridges 4

Answer 7

• better patient acceptance/tolerance (no worry of falling or taking out denture, less psychologically ageing)
• easier to keep clean
• less plaque accumulation

Question 8

disadvantages of fixed bridges 6

Answer 8

• cost (technician dependent)
• extensive tooth destruction –> possibly killing tooth with conventional bridge
• operator sensitive
• can be more technically demanding
• can’t replace long spans of teeth
• difficult to adjust (porcelain)

Question 9

advantages of removable dentures 7

Answer 9

• non-invasive/atraumatic
• keeps pt options open
• reversible
• young people
• can restore long spans of teeth
• flange replaces aesthetics of periodontium
• can modify (add more teeth, use acrylic trimming bur to trim)

Question 10

disadvantages of removable dentures

Answer 10

• psychological (taking/ falling out), less acceptable to pt
• damaging effects 6:
• -inc plaque accumulation
• -clasps –> trauma to teeth and periodontium
• -decalcification
• -caries
• -denture-induced stomatities (fungus overgrowth from food trapped under dentures)
• -inflammation of gingival tissues/mucous membranes

Question 11

what prosthodontics to use on young people and why

Answer 11

dentures or resin-retained bridge

should not do anything irreversible because pt still growing

Question 12

advantages of implants 4

Answer 12

• gd success rate
• dont have to remove (unless implant-denture)
• excellent stability and retention
• very acceptable, popular to pt

Question 13

disadvantages of implants 4

Answer 13

• cost
• operator sensitive
• cannot restore alveolar bone
• invasive, traumatic

Question 14

what does dentist need to tell pt to gain informed consent

Answer 14

• 4 prosthodontic options
• advantages and disadvantages of each
• pt own decision

Question 15

indication for partial denture use 7

Answer 15

• number/ distribution of missing teeth
• status of abutment teeth
• soft tissue loss
• anterior tooth spacing
• restoration of occlusal face height
• pt preference and cost
• interim replacement

Question 16

what is the most commonly restored tooth and why

Answer 16

6s
molars more prone to caries due to fissures
6 is first molar to erupt –> longer time in mouth, more chance of caries development

Question 17

define prosthodontics

Answer 17

replacement of missing teeth