The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is highlighting National Prosthodontics Awareness Week, which is April 6-12 this year.
With 178 million people in the U.S. missing at least one tooth and 33 million Americans having no natural teeth, the campaign aims to increase awareness about the importance of proper oral health and prosthodontic solutions to missing teeth.
To celebrate the week, the ACP is providing free access to two Journal of Prosthodontics studies on innovative science and treatment for missing teeth. The first, a recent Mayo Clinic long-term (29 years) retrospective study, reveals that care for missing teeth needs to be treated as a "chronic condition" much like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes.
Implant therapy to replace the missing teeth requires lifelong follow-up with prosthodontists or dentists to minimize the risks of complications, such as chipping or implant loss due to infections, noted Matilda Dhima, DMD, the primary author of the study and an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.
The second study presents data on the All-on-Four Protocol as a viable alternative to more extensive treatment plans for missing teeth. With this protocol, a set of fixed upper and/or lower replacement teeth can be anchored to the bone in one office visit.
