Evolution of Topics in Maxillofacial Prosthetics Publications

PURPOSE

To study the evolution of recent topics in maxillofacial prosthetics (MP) research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Science mapping analyses were used to measure bibliometric similarities among articles extracted from the Web of Science from the last three decades.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Keyword co-occurrence highlighted the rise of computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing, mandibular reconstruction, and extraoral prostheses during the last decade. Citation analysis showed that surgery journals kept the leadership on MP publications, but that prosthodontics journals were closing the gap. The United States was the leading country in MP publications over the last three decades, but their lead is fast dissolving worldwide.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 4

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 2

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 1

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 6

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 9

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 12

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 5

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - Introduction

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 11

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 7

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 10

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 3

No abstract available.

On Implant Prosthodontics: One Narrative, Twelve Voices - 8

No abstract available.

Digital technology in fixed implant prosthodontics

Digital protocols are increasingly influencing prosthodontic treatment concepts. Implant-supported single-unit and short-span reconstructions will benefit mostly from the present digital trends. In these protocols, monolithic implant crowns connected to prefabricated titanium abutments, which are created based on data obtained from an intraoral scan followed by virtual design and production, without the need of a physical master cast, have to be considered in lieu of conventional manufacturing techniques for posterior implant restorations. No space for storage is needed in the complete digital workflow, and if a remake is required a replica of the original reconstruction can be produced quickly and inexpensively using rapid prototyping. The technological process is split into subtractive methods, such as milling or laser ablation, and additive processing, such as three-dimensional printing and selective laser melting. The dimensions of the supra-implant soft-tissue architecture can be calculated in advance of implant placement, according to the morphologic copy, and consequently are individualized for each patient. All these technologies have to be considered before implementing new digital dental workflows in daily routine. The correct indication and application are prerequisite and crucial for the success of the overall therapy, and, finally, for a satisfied patient. This includes a teamwork approach and equally affects the clinician, the dental assistant and the technician as well. The digitization process has the potential to change the entire dental profession. The major benefits will be reduced production costs, improvement in time efficiency and fulfilment of patients' perceptions of a modernized treatment concept.

Evidence-based prosthodontics: fundamental considerations, limitations, and guidelines

Evidence-based dentistry is rapidly emerging to become an integral part of patient care, dental education, and research. Prosthodontics is a unique dental specialty that encompasses art, philosophy, and science and includes reversible and irreversible treatments. It not only affords good applicability of many principles of evidence-based dentistry but also poses numerous limitations. This article describes the epidemiologic background, fundamental considerations, scrutiny of levels of evidence, limitations, guidelines, and future perspectives of evidence-based prosthodontics. Understanding these principles can aid clinicians in appropriate appraisal of the prosthodontics literature and use the best available evidence for making confident clinical decisions and optimizing patient care.

Implantomania: prosthodontics at a crossroads

Throughout the 1980s and '90s, a small core group of clinical scholars played a major and pivotal role in the combined surgical and prosthodontic dissemination of osseointegration scholarship. As professor of oromaxillofacial surgery at the University of Washington, Dr Philip Worthington was one such pioneering educator. His academic leadership was acknowledged via numerous academic honors and tributes, including his recent postretirement recognition as distinguished professor at his university. This invited paper is a personal assessment of the impact of clinical changes ushered in by the osseointegration technique and was recently presented at the University of Washington's unique celebratory tribute to Professor Worthington.

Research in prosthodontics: a 10-year observation of trends in topics, collaboration, and funding

PURPOSE

The objectives of this study were to investigate the nature of recently published prosthodontic literature, to investigate the types of collaboration and funding as well as their relationship, and to analyze the associations between collaboration and extramural funding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three peer-reviewed prosthodontic journals were used for the analysis of articles published in 1998, 2003, and 2008. The articles were analyzed based on associations between the type of article, type of original research, collaboration, and funding. The chi-square test and logistic regression were used for data analysis (a = .05).

RESULTS

From 998 articles, a significant decrease in reviews (P < .001) and an increase in case reports (P = .001) were observed. Articles regarding dental materials ranged from 53% to 58% of the total original research, and the amount of collaboration among disciplines (P = .012), institutions (P < .001), and countries (P = .014) increased from 1998 to 2008. Most studies (77.5%) did not report funding, and articles related to dental materials had the most collaboration and funding. Dental materials (48%), clinical care (37%), and education/public health research (7%) were supported by private companies, and biomedical and translational studies were mostly supported by a university (13%) or the government (7%). A strong association was noted between collaboration (P = .010), extramural funding, and original research, especially related to education/public health (P < .001), clinical care (P = .013), and dental materials (P = .004).

CONCLUSION

An increase in original research and collaboration was observed from 1998 to 2008. Studies that reported funding remained constant. A strong association with collaboration and funding was observed, along with studies involving clinical care, education, public health, and dental materials.

Changes in patient and FDP profiles following the introduction of osseointegrated implant dentistry in a prosthodontic practice

PURPOSE

This paper describes the effects of implant-related dentistry on patient profiles and the types of fixed dental prostheses provided in clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All implant- and tooth-supported prostheses provided in a prosthodontic practice between 1984 and 2007 were tabulated. Incidence was analyzed in relation to gender, age at time of prostheses insertion, and prostheses type.

RESULTS

Tooth-supported single crowns (TSCs) and tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses (TFDPs) were involved in 97% of treatments requiring fixed dental prostheses from 1984 to 1991. From 1991 to 2007, however, a marked increase in the number of implants restored directly corresponded with a decrease in the number of TFDPs so that by 2007, implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (IFDPs) accounted for 81% of all tooth replacements. Between 1984 and 2007 the incidence of TFDPs was 61% in females and 39% in males, whereas the incidence of IFDPs was 55% in females and 45% in males. IFDPs were also involved in 35% of restorations in patients under 31 years of age and TFDPs in 19%. In the under-21 years age group, IFDPs were more common in females (9%) than males (4%), but in the 21 to 30 years age group they were more common in males (21%) than females (13%). There was a decrease in three-unit TFDPs, in TFDPs with four or more pontics and those not satisfying Ante's Law, and in teeth used that had been subjectively assessed to have an unfavorable 10-year prognosis at the time of prosthesis insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

The incorporation of osseointegrated implant dentistry into a clinical practice has resulted in changes in the patient profile and type of fixed dental prostheses provided, including a decrease in the use of TFDPs; an increase in the referral of patients under 31 years of age; a decrease in three-unit, long-span, and complex TFDPs; and a decrease in tooth abutments assessed to be structurally or biologically compromised.

Prosthodontics and the American College of Prosthodontists: a specialty's contribution to improving oral health care

Prosthodontics is the specialty responsible for restoration of individual teeth and replacement of missing teeth and supporting structures, where education and experience have been focused on esthetics, comfort, and function. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) has made commitments to strengthen the quality and scope of both undergraduate and postgraduate educational programs and to support prosthodontics educators. The ACP is especially involved in monitoring and evaluating emerging trends in diagnostic, product, and delivery technologies because of the rapid pace of such innovations and because these developments have significant potential for changing the way both general dentists and prosthodontists deliver prosthodontic care--the single largest segment of dental treatment.

The Private Practice of Prosthodontists: Current and Future Conditions of Practice in the United States (Part 2)

PURPOSE

Data are used to examine current and future conditions important to the private practice of prosthodontics. A concern is raised as to whether the future supply of prosthodontists is in sync with the dynamics of the US population and patient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four trends are examined using data from various sources. The trends include: (1) growth in the number of private practicing prosthodontists, (2) projections of the future number of private practicing prosthodontists, (3) first year enrollment in dental schools, and (4) enrollments and graduates in residency programs.

RESULTS

The number of private practicing prosthodontists has increased modestly over the past 21 years, growing 1.33% per year. The number of private practitioners is projected to reach 4,125 in 2025. A key variable in this projection is the growing number of elderly adults. While dental school enrollments have been increasing, concern is raised about the amount of exposure by students to an undergraduate curriculum in prosthodontics. There has been a general decline in enrollment in the nation's prosthodontics residency programs at the rate of -2.9% per year. An average of 181 program graduates are needed to achieve the 4125 projected number of private practitioners.

CONCLUSION

Increasing demand for services from prosthodontists is supported by an increasing US population size and a growing population of elderly. Efforts to grow the number of private practicing prosthodontists will have to consider several concerns including residency program enrollments, undergraduate exposure to prosthodontics, and the overall economic returns expected from engaging in the private practice of prosthodontics. Choosing a career as a private practicing prosthodontist is a timely consideration and complimented by expected increases in demand for care and favorable financial returns to practice.