Periodontal Prosthesis Reconsidered

Periodontal prostheses have resolved many problems for patients with advanced loss of the periodontium and multiple missing teeth. However, the success of osseointegrated implants has had a dramatic effect on the process of periodontal treatment planning. It has reduced the need to use teeth that are at great risk as abutments. It has also reduced the need for laboratory heroics with extensive units of fixed partial dentures by allowing problems to be addressed individually and then collated into a total treatment plan for the partially dentate patient. This paper addresses those issues and the role of osseointegration in periodontics.