INTRODUCTION & TERMINOLOGY

Fixed prosthodontics : A brief introduction

Part I: General considerations

it is a branch of dentistry that deals with the replacement of teeth and contiguous tissues or jaw structures by artificial devices, in order to, restore and maintain the oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient.

It has three main branches: 1. Removable prosthodontics, 2. Fixed prosthodontics, and 3. Maxillofacial prosthetics.

it is a branch of prosthodontics, that deals with the replacement of missing tooth/or teeth, using an artificial substitute ( a cast prosthesis*) permanently cemented* in place.
On other hand, Fixed prosthodontics, is a technique used to restore teeth, using fixed restorations which include: - crowns, *Prosthesis - bridges, it is an artificial appliance that used to replace a missing part of the body. - inlays, In Fixed prosthodontics > replace tooth or teeth - onlays, and *Cemented>> to cement 1. To bind with or as if with cement. - veneers 2. To cover or coat with cement.

crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers

Anatomical crown
It is the portion of the tooth covered by enamel, extending from the incisal edge or occlusal Surface to the cervical line.

Clinical crown
It is the portion of the tooth that extends from the bottom of the gingiva to the incisal edge or occlusal surface. On other hand, it is that part of tooth which is visible in the mouth.

It is an artificial replacement (restoration) to a single tooth, which restores the anatomy, the function, and the esthetic of its damaged coronal portion. It is cemented to the tooth by a suitable material (adhesive). There are several types of dental crown . will be discussed later.

Called also = Fixed partial Denture

It is a fixed restoration which replaces one or more

missing teeth.
It is cemented to the natural teeth, roots or fixed with a screw to an implant.

It has 3 components:
- Pontic - Connectors - Retainer

Inlay

it is a fixed restoration restores the damaged occlusal and proximal surfaces of the tooth without covering the cusps.

Onlay

it is a fixed restoration that restores the damaged occlusal and proximal surfaces of the tooth, including the cusps.

A thin lamination of a dental material which is bonded to one side of a tooth (usually the side that is visible in the smile) to improve its appearance and/or restore its normal contours.

What are the types of fixed restorations? Define the following terms: * Inlay * Clinical crown * Fixed partial denture