Fundamental or Fixed Prosthodontics Introduction

A collection of vocabulary terms covering the fundamentals of fixed prosthodontics, including bridge terminology, diagnostic elements, and clinical precautions.

Fixed Partial Denture (FPD)

Also known as a Bridge, this is a restoration used to replace missing teeth.

Crown

The part of the tooth restoration or anatomy located above the gingiva.

Full or complete veneer crown

A restoration that covers the full clinical crown of a tooth.

Partial veneer crown (PVC)

A restoration that covers only part of the clinical crown.

Intracoronal cast restoration

A restoration that sits inside the crown of the tooth.

Inlays

An intracoronal partial veneer crown (PVC) that does not involve any of the tooth cusps.

Onlays

A partial veneer crown (PVC) that involves the restoration of one or more cusps.

Laminates or facial veneer

A type of partial veneer crown (PVC) applied to the facial surface of a tooth.

Abutment

The adjacent tooth to the missing tooth that serves as support for a fixed partial denture.

Pontic

The artificial crown in a bridge that replaces the missing tooth.

Retainers

The parts of a fixed partial denture that are cemented to the abutments.

Connectors

The components of a bridge that connect the pontic to the retainer.

5 elements of a good diagnostic preparation

History, TMJ / Occlusal evaluation, Intraoral examination, Diagnostic cast, and Full mouth radiographs.

Allergic reaction protocol

Use a sticker to indicate offending drugs or dental materials in the patient’s history.

Prophylactic medications

Prescribed for patients with a prosthetic heart valve or bacterial endocarditis (rheumatic fever).

Syncope

Fainting that may result from patient anxiety while in the dental chair.

TMJ / Occlusal evaluation components

An evaluation of the Masseter, Temporalis, Pterygoid muscles, Hammular notch, Trapezius muscle, and Sternocleidomastoid.

Intraoral examination

The stage of diagnosis where the clinician begins writing in the dental chart.

Diagnostic cast

A tool used to make explanations and treatment plans much easier to communicate to the patient.

Universal precautions

Protective gear and protocols including Bunny suits, long gowns, head caps, rubber gloves, surgical masks, face shields or protective glasses, and uniforms to protect against infectious diseases like HBV, HIV, and Covid 19.