Tales from the Operatory: History of Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics, otherwise known as prosthetic dentistry, focuses on diagnosis, treatment planning, restoration, and oral function, appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes and comfort by use of prostheses. The oral prostheses replacing teeth may be removable dentures or partial dentures or permanently fixed tooth prostheses connecting to remaining teeth or implanted in the alveolar bone. Other prostheses are caps or crowns replacing the outer portions of teeth protecting the remaining structure. Prosthodontics also provides oral prostheses to correct deformities, such as cleft palate, and to replace alveolar bone to provide underlying support for dentures.

The Father of Modern Dentistry: Pierre Fauchard

Pierre Fauchard was a French physician, credited as being the “father of modern dentistry”. He is widely known for writing the first complete scientific description of dentistry, Le Chirurgien Dentiste, published in 1728. The book describes basic oral anatomy and function, signs, and symptoms. Fauchard discovered many methods to replace lost teeth using substitutes made from carved blocks of ivory or bone. He also introduced dental braces to correct the position of teeth using gold wires and silk threads.

The Evolution and Adaptability of Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is second only to oral surgery as an appearance as a dental specialty. Over its long history, it has proven to be a remarkably adaptable and innovative branch of the subject as it has evolved and responded to expanding and ever-more sophisticated patient needs and new technologies. It was the first specialty involved in reconstruction, a departure from the ablative approach of early dentistry. Over time, it has changed considerably and it possesses a unique set of characteristics that have shaped much of dentistry.

The Role of Form and Function in Prosthodontic Design

Form and function are very important to the ultimate design and craft of your smile. Prosthodontists are specially trained for that. They train initially as a general dentist earning their degree and then receive another 3 years of specialty training in prosthodontics and then more for implant training.

Prosthodontic Services at Columbia Dental

At Columbia Dental we have prosthodontists enabling you to have the best of the best when employing their services in the design and fit of any prosthetics you need to enhance the function of your teeth and develop your best smile. We have an on-site digital dental laboratory to fabricate the prosthetics for your mouth on the same day as your visit. You need it today; we deliver it today under the talent and expertise of our prosthodontists.

Schedule Your Appointment

Call today for your appointment at 860-645-0111.