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Periodontal Prosthesis

Periodontal prosthesis is an approach to dental care that incorporates many of the specialties of dentistry in the treatment of teeth that have been compromised by periodontal disease.

As a philosophy of treatment, periodontal prosthesis focuses on the total restoration of a patient’s dentition (teeth) to reestablish normal function. A dental practitioner using this approach must consider not only the patient’s ability to masticate (chew) properly, but also the aesthetics of the restored teeth and their effects on a patient’s self-esteem.(1) To accomplish its goals, periodontal prosthesis combines elements of general dentistry along with specialized fields, such as periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics and oral surgery.

The concept of periodontal prosthesis was originally conceived by Dr. Morton Amsterdam, a clinician and professor of dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania. Together with his University of Pennsylvania colleague, Dr. D. Walter Cohen, Dr. Amsterdam taught this approach to his students and used it in his practice beginning in the middle 1950s. In 1974, Dr. Amsterdam published a landmark paper on this subject in the Alpha Omegan in 1974. (2) In recognition of their pioneering work, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine dedicated a new periodontal clinic to Dr. Amsterdam and Dr. D. Walter Cohen on January 22, 2008. (3)

In general, Periodontal Prosthesis consists of three distinct stages (4), each of which is separated by a reevaluation phase to ensure that the previous therapeutic treatment was successful.

The first phase is diagnosis and treatment design. Here, a well-organized treatment plan is developed to provide an orderly sequence for restorative procedures.

The second phase is control and/or elimination of all the causes of disease, including inflammation, tooth decay, endodontic infections, and bite pathology.

The third phase is the restoration of the form and function of the oral cavity, concentrating on the elimination of problems created by the disease process. This phase focuses on regeneration and restoration.

Periodontal prosthesis emphasizes an inter-disciplinary approach to treating complex dental problems. A team of specialists is involved in planning treatment, properly sequencing dental procedures, and completing restorative therapy.

Footnotes:

1) Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry: 50th Anniversary of the Graduate Program in Periodontics/Prosthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania. September 2005/ vol 26. No. 9

2) Amsterdam M. Periodontal Prosthesis: Twenty-five years in retrospect. Alpha Omegan 1974; Dec

3) Asbell, M. A History of the Graduate Program in Periodontics 1955 - 1980

4) Salama H, Salama M, Li TF, Garber D. Adar P. Treatment planning 2000: an esthically-oriented revision of the original implant protocol. J Esthet Dent 1997; 9: 55-67