Teeth loss in the maxilla initiates residual ridge/alveolar resorption, especially in the anterior region, which is flared labially. The consequences of this resorption is a gradual medial or palatal shift of the crest of the maxilla. This...

The choice of anesthesia depends on many variables including the complexity of treatment, duration of treatment, need for patient awareness and the response during treatment, only to name a few. In general, the clinician and patient should discuss the...

Teeth extractions are followed by a reduction of the bucco-lingual as well as the vertical dimension of the residual alveolar ridge. The ensuing resorption is progressive and even the basal jaw may become involved. In the lower jaw, the....

As described in Patient Assessment, a thorough evaluation of patient factors influencing whether to proceed with surgical therapy is relevant.
Depending on the tpe of surgery prescribe pre-operative medication (for example antibiotic coverage), if...

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...

Examination of existing dentures provides invaluable information on patients’ perceptions of teeth and soft tissue esthetics, including facial vertical dimension support. It also informs clinicians regarding their patients’ overall...

Relevant risk factors for implant treatment:

• Children and adolescents (during ongoing bone/skeletal development), unless in selected anodontia patients. However, implant placement for orthodontic treatment purposes is indicated.
• Uncontrolled metabolic diseases such as Diabetes Mellit...

Radiotherapy

Rehabilitation of patients with oral cancers is usually done in a combined way with surgical, chemo- and radio-therapy. Radiotherapy predisposes to fibrotization, ischemia and xerostomia. The latter side-effect renders mucosally supported dentures even more difficult to...

A critical side effect in the oro-maxillo-facial region observed in patients undergoing administration over a long period of time and especially intravenously, bisphosphonate therapy may predispose to ‘bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the...

Parafunctional activities can apply high forces to both implant and prosthetic components. These forces can lead to fracture or loosening of screws and abutments, chipping of the veneering material or fracture of the prosthetic reconstruction...