35. General classification of prosthetic restorations - morphologic, prophylactic, esthetic and functional indices.
Explains how prosthetic restorations are classified by several separate indices rather than one rule. Covers the morphologic grouping by type of defect in a table, fixation as fixed, removable or clinician-removable, and the functional index with a diagram and table of the four ways chewing force reaches bone. Then discusses the prophylactic role of restorations and the esthetic index with its four components: shape, size, colour and position.
Topic 35 of 75 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Preclinics of Dental Prosthetics (Dental Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 6 sections, about 211 words (2 min of reading), with 13 flashcards.
In this note
Introduction
Morphologic index: what is missing?
Fixation
Functional index: how is chewing force carried?
Prophylactic index: does it prevent harm?
Esthetic index: how does it look?
Introduction
Prosthetic restorations differ in material, size, shape, function and technology, which makes them hard to classify by a single rule. Several indices are used side by side, each answering a different question.
Morphologic index: what is missing?
The most widely used grouping, by the type of defect:
Fixation
Fixed: cemented to natural teeth or implants (crowns, bridges); only the dentist can remove them.
Removable: the patient takes them out (partial and complete dentures).
Removable by the clinician only: usually screw-retained to teeth or implants.
Functional index: how is chewing force carried?
The basic job of a prosthesis is to pass chewing forces to the supporting tissues. How it does this is a major way to classify it.
Prophylactic index: does it prevent harm?
A good restoration doesn't only replace tissue, it protects what is left: it stops neighbours tipping and antagonists over-erupting, splints loose teeth, spreads load correctly and keeps the gingiva healthy through good margins and contours. A restoration that traps plaque or overloads abutments fails this test however well it looks.
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