C C Wyatt1. 1. Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Abstract
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Complete, fixed partial, removable partial, and implant-supported dentures have been used to comfortably and esthetically replace missing teeth. However, it is not certain what effect these prostheses have on the residual ridge. PURPOSE: This article compares various prosthetic treatments to restore completely and partially edentulous mouths for their ability to preserve residual alveolar bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature was performed to discuss the effects of tooth replacement on residual alveolar bone. RESULTS: The literature seems to indicate that the presence of a dental prosthesis affects the size and form of the residual alveolar ridge and bone. CONCLUSION: An implant-supported fixed prosthesis to restore missing teeth in partially or completely edentulous jaws seems to be the best means of preserving residual alveolar bone.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Complete, fixed partial, removable partial, and implant-supported dentures have been used to comfortably and esthetically replace missing teeth. However, it is not certain what effect these prostheses have on the residual ridge. PURPOSE: This article compares various prosthetic treatments to restore completely and partially edentulous mouths for their ability to preserve residual alveolar bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature was performed to discuss the effects of tooth replacement on residual alveolar bone. RESULTS: The literature seems to indicate that the presence of a dental prosthesis affects the size and form of the residual alveolar ridge and bone. CONCLUSION: An implant-supported fixed prosthesis to restore missing teeth in partially or completely edentulous jaws seems to be the best means of preserving residual alveolar bone.