Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty dedicated to the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth with artificial substitutes, encompassing complete and partial dentures, implant-supported restorations, over-dentures and maxillofacial prostheses. It integrates clinical skills in biomechanics, materials science and digital technology to re-establish function, aesthetics and patient comfort. Central goals include improvement of masticatory performance, phonetics and facial support, alongside preservation of residual ridge anatomy and prevention of further tissue loss. Recent decades have seen transformative advances in computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM), three-dimensional printing and novel biomaterials such as high-performance polymers, composites and ceramic frameworks. Implant prosthodontics has grown to complement removable solutions, offering enhanced retention, load transfer and bone preservation. Patient-reported outcome measures and quality-of-life instruments now guide treatment decisions, balancing clinical efficacy with cost-effectiveness and patient preference. Globally, prosthodontic interventions address the burden of edentulism in ageing populations, striving for equitable access and evidence-based protocols that integrate preventive care, minimally invasive techniques and personalised rehabilitation pathways.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been incorporated into polymethyl methacrylate matrices to produce denture base materials with drug-free antimicrobial adhesion properties. Composites containing low-loading nanotubes retained acceptable mechanical performance while reducing microbial adhesion by up to 95 %, offering a promising route to mitigate denture-related infections without cytotoxicity.

Magnesium oxide-reinforced PMMA composites, synthesised by heat-cure methods, exhibit enhanced optical clarity, mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The most favourable formulation delivered compressive and flexural strengths exceeding 100 MPa, improved fracture toughness and excellent cell viability, highlighting its suitability for durable denture applications.

Research from all publishers

Cellulose nanocrystals extracted from agricultural by-products have been blended into PMMA to create biodegradable nanocomposite denture bases. Even at low filler contents (< 1 wt %), these materials demonstrated marked improvements in flexural strength and wear resistance, with finite element analysis confirming more uniform stress distribution under load.

Comparative studies of CAD-CAM milled, heat-polymerised and stereolithography-printed complete denture resins reveal that milled specimens achieve superior bond strength when relined, whereas printed resins require tailored bonding protocols to match clinical performances. Thermocycling tests underscore the influence of resin chemistry and printing parameters on long-term durability.

Three-dimensional printed denture base resins reinforced with silanated titanium dioxide nanoparticles show significant gains in flexural modulus, impact resistance and surface hardness, retaining these advantages after artificial ageing in simulated saliva. Optimal nanoparticle concentrations (around 0.10 wt %) yield homogeneous dispersions with minimal agglomeration, pointing to extended prosthesis service life.

Prosthodontics publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in prosthodontics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA): A widely used acrylic polymer for denture bases valued for versatility and cost-effectiveness.

CAD-CAM: Digital workflow combining computer-aided design and manufacturing to produce precise dental prostheses.

Additive manufacturing (3D printing): Layer-by-layer fabrication from digital models, enabling customised geometries and rapid prototyping.

Nanocomposite: A material comprising nanoparticles dispersed within a polymer matrix to enhance mechanical and functional properties.

Osseointegration: Stable anchorage of an implant by direct bone apposition without intervening fibrous tissue.

Overdenture: A removable prosthesis supported by retained roots or implants to improve stability and tissue health.

References

1. Carbon nanotube incorporation in PMMA to prevent microbial adhesion. Scientific Reports (2019).
2. Fabrication, structural, and enhanced mechanical behavior of MgO substituted PMMA composites for dental applications. Scientific Reports (2024).
3. Fabrication of PMMA nanocomposite biomaterials reinforced by cellulose nanocrystals extracted from rice husk for dental applications. Friction (2024).
4. CAD-CAM complete denture resins: Effect of relining on the shear bond strength. Journal of Dentistry (2023).
5. 3D printed denture base material: The effect of incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles and artificial ageing on the physical and mechanical properties. Dental Materials (2023).