Combination syndrome symptomatology and treatment.

Combination syndrome (CS) is one of the most fascinating oral conditions yet is poorly understood and underappreciated in the literature and clinical practice. This article reviews the most important literature on this subject and analyzes the etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and current therapeutic modalities for treatment in an attempt to better understand CS. The syndrome represents an example ofa complex pathologic condition of the entire stomatognathic system with a multitude of hard-tissue, soft-tissue, and occlusal changes. These changes, initiated by a certain sequence of events, beginning with a prolonged period of tooth loss, can lead to severe bone atrophy in different regions of the jaws, loss of masticatory function, and the need for complex treatment. Implant rehabilitation of these patients in a preventative approach with cooperation of the entire dental team is emphasized.