PREVENTIVE PROSTHODONTICS: A Boon in Prosthodontics

Extraction of the last remaining teeth and replacement with complete dentures has many consequences. The Patient has to adapt to a new situation with respect to speech, chewing, swallowing, and so forth. The patient also has to accept edentulousness, which may lead to psychological problems and social isolation. Furthermore, extraction of teeth leads to a reduction of the alveolar ridge, which causes changes in denture base adaptation, vertical dimension of occlusion, and occlusal contacts. The retention of roots to support/retain an overdenture has been shown to reduce residual ridge resorption, improve stability and to retain proprioception. So it is always important to stress upon the preventive aspects of prosthodontics.