The primary goal is a proper oral function. This implies not only chewing but also speaking, smiling. Patients’ adaptability varies enormously. Some are satisfied with removable dentures, others object to the esthetics of...

Implant supported overdentures are an evidence-based treatment option for edentulous patients leading to a significantly increased quality of life.
There are various retention elements available which connect the implants directly...

Less than 4-6 mm of vertical residual bone height in the posterior segment of the maxilla is an indication for a sinus augmentation procedure [Esposito]. The external access to the maxillary sinus is carried out at a lateral buccal alveolar...

The tradition to insert 6 implants, and eventually more, in an arch-wide pattern dates back to the early days of osseointegration when implants with a machined surface were used and risk for early...

In the edentulous upper jaw implant insertion can be limited due to the adjacent anatomical structures (nasal floor, maxillary sinus). Less than 5-6 mm in height and 6 mm in width requires augmentation before implant placement....

A choice of occlusal schemes can be employed for the prosthodontic rehabilitation of the edentulous patient. Clinical outcomes with different schemes continue to be debated and no one scheme has emerged as clearly superior. However, although the...

This is the reversible inflammatory process in the soft tissues around functioning implants. Peri-implant mucositis occurs in almost 60% of subjects (± 30% of sites), restored with implants. Diagnosis is stated by clinical examination: redness, ...

In the rush to meet patient demands for functional rehabilitation, the importance of occlusion is often overlooked. A check of the occlusion should be performed at every visit from insertion onwards because many problems with fixed dental prostheses can...

Attachment selection

The relative merits of different prosthodontic treatment objectives - resilient versus rigid attachments - are controversial and empirical. A resilient retention mechanism is recommended on the assumption that this will protect implants from overload; while in...

Placement of a removable prosthesis requires attention to detail to cover all important clinical items such prosthesis fit, denture base extensions, esthetics, occlusion, patient comfort and post-insertion instructions. Implant overdentures may or may not...

The patient with a terminal dentition and who faces total teeth extractions can choose from a number of treatment options from immediate complete denture to one of the implant supported protocols.
Immediate dentures are chosen by patients who are unwilling...

Research and clinical experience show that conventional complete dentures are acceptable for a large segment of the edentulous population. Satisfied complete denture wearers are well adapted to their prosthodontic experience and have...

Physiological salivary output is 0.75 to 1.5 liters per day, with most originating from the submandibular glands. Saliva is a lubricant and has a complex set of protective and healing functions for the oral cavity. It adheres instantly to...

Epithelial desquamation in the oropharynx limits bacterial accumulation, except on the tongue dorsum and in the tonsillar crypts. Loss of teeth dramatically reduces the load of periodontal pathogens except for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and to a...

A universally accepted definition of ideal occlusion has been elusive. This is because an ideal occlusion can only be defined in broad terms of a physiological range of form and function. Functional aspects of occlusion, rather than specific anatomical...