Which is an example of tertiary prevention in dental care?

• A. Replacing missing teeth (dentures, implants, bridges, bone and tissue grafts)
• B. Regular brushing and flossing
• C. Fluoride varnish application
• D. Routine dental cleaning

Answer: (A)

Tertiary prevention in dentistry aims to restore function and reduce complications once disease or damage has occurred. Replacing missing teeth fits this because it restores chewing ability, speech, aesthetics, and prevents further problems that can happen after tooth loss, such as tooth movement, bite issues, and jawbone deterioration. Prosthetic options like dentures, implants, or bridges directly rehabilitate the damaged condition and help maintain oral health and quality of life.

Brushing and flossing, fluoride varnish, and routine cleaning are primarily about preventing disease or progression before it causes significant damage, so they fall under primary prevention rather than rehabilitation after tooth loss.