Fixed prosthodontics--state of the art.

Fixed prosthodontics has increased in need and demand significantly over the past 40 years. This increase is related to an ageing population with more teeth retained. Diagnosis and treatment planning is more complex and requires help from qualified auxiliary persons to educate an older population, many of whom have not had major oral treatment in the past. Building-up teeth is necessary for many, and bonded composite and amalgam are commonly used. Prefabricated posts and cores comprise a growing majority of restorations when such therapy is needed. Bonded resin cement, holding titanium or titanium alloy posts, and supporting composite cores are very popular. Proper tissue management provides excellent impressions. Pre-operative anti-inflammatory rinses, and the double-cord tissue management technique, can provide excellent impressions. Addition reaction silicones are often the impression materials of choice. Dentists are encouraged to use all types of crowns including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic. Glass ionomer cements are used most frequently, but hybrid glass ionomers are challenging actively and may eventually replace straight glass ionomers. Fixed prosthodontics deserves increasing dental and continuing education time because of the increased need.