The Evidence Base for Current Practices in Prosthodontics

This paper is based on the winning entry for the BSSPD Heraeus Kulzer undergraduate essay prize 2006

Abstract - An aging population means the number of edentulous and partially dentate patients is rising. The multiplicity of treatments makes treatment choice challenging, emphasising the need for evidence-based prosthodontics. This review examines the evidence-base for current prosthodontic practices within removable and fixed domains by drawing on evidence from randomised controlled trials. Consideration is also given to the role of systematic reviews and observational studies. The increasing number of prosthodontic randomised controlled trials, especially in commercially attractive topics such as denture hygiene and implants, is highlighted. What is needed to advance the evidence-base within prosthodontics is also examined.

KEY WORDS: Evidence-based; dentistry; prosthodontics; denture/partial, complete; prosthesis/removable, fixed