The effect of prosthodontic treatment on alveolar bone loss: a review of the literature.

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.