LESSON 5
PROSTRODONTIC INSTRUMENTS
Section I. INTRODUCTION
5-1.
GENERAL
a. Prosthodontics. Prosthodontics is that branch of dentistry pertaining to the
restoration and maintenance of oral function by the replacement of missing teeth and
structures by artificial devices. Removable prosthodontics involves constructing artificial
devices that can be readily inserted and removed by the wearer.
b. Dental Prosthesis. Complete dentures and fixed and removable partial
dentures make up the great bulk of dental prosthesis. The prosthodontic section may
also construct metallic or acrylic resin splints to be used by the oral surgeon in the
immobilization of fractured jaws or by the periodontist to support periodontally
weakened teeth. The repair, reline, or rebase of a prosthesis also is done in this
section. Occasionally, an obturator or some other type of maxillofacial prosthesis is
made to correct a developmental defect or a defect resulting from a traumatic injury.
5-2.
PROSTHODONTIC TERMS
a. Abutment. A tooth used for the support or anchorage of a fixed or removable
prosthesis.
b. Adjustment. A modification of a denture base or the teeth on a denture after
the prosthesis has been completed and inserted in the mouth.
c. Baseplate. A temporary form representing the base of the denture that is
used for making maxillomandibular records, for arranging denture teeth, or for trial
insertion in the mouth.
d. Cast. A positive reproduction of the form of the tissues of the maxillae or
mandible. After the impression of the tissues has been made, plaster of Paris or
artificial stone is poured into the impression to form the cast. Denture bases or other
e. Clasp. A part of the removable partial denture which acts as a direct retainer
or stabilizer for the denture by partially surrounding or contacting an abutment tooth.
f. Complete Denture. A prosthesis which replaces teeth and associated
structures in a complete edentulous arch.
g. Cuspid Line. A vertical line scribed on the occlusion rim to indicate the
position that the artificial cuspid tooth is to occupy in the trial denture setup.
MD0503
5-2