Removable Prosthodontics: A Forgotten Part of Dentistry

Abstract

In years past, removable prosthodontics was a large and highly respected part of dentistry. During the past 50 years, removal of teeth has become less common, and placement of removable complete dentures has become less desirable to dentists. Tooth extraction is now limited to more legitimate reasons than in the past. The result is that removable prosthodontics has lost its appeal to many dentists. Polling large groups of dentists in continuing education courses, I have found that some dentists will not make removable complete dentures, and they do not provide dentures in their practices. Additionally, teaching complete dentures in dental schools has been diluted, because of the necessity to teach many other subjects and the reduced interest in the subject. Are these changes desirable, or should removable prosthodontics receive more emphasis? I discuss the need for dentures in the United States and make suggestions to potentially remedy the current situation.