A review of selected dental literature on contemporary provisional fixed prosthodontic treatment: report of the Committee on Research in Fixed Prosthodontics of the Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics

One goal of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics is regularly to publish comprehensive literature reviews on selected topics germane to the discipline of fixed prosthodontics. The following report is the result of this goal and focuses on provisional fixed prosthodontic treatment. Major subtopics include materials science and clinical considerations involving natural teeth and dental implants. The interrelationship between provisional and definitive fixed prosthodontic treatment is multifaceted and significant. Provisional therapy involves numerous materials and techniques that require special knowledge and technical experience. In this analysis, technical, clinical, and investigational articles are detailed and presented as a comprehensive literature review to provide contemporary guidelines. Referenced publications were found by conducting a Medline search and were limited to peer-reviewed, English-language articles published from 1970 to the present. Materials used with provisional treatment are discussed in terms of clinical selection and the influence of their physical properties on treatment outcome. Specific product names and manufacturers are included in this report only when they are cited in the original referenced publications.     

A review of selected dental literature on evidence-based treatment planning for dental implants: report of the Committee on Research in Fixed Prosthodontics of the Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics

This literature review summarizes research with the aim of providing dentists with evidence-based guidelines to apply when planning treatment with osseointegrated implants. Peer-reviewed literature published in the English language between 1969 and 2003 was reviewed using Medline and hand searches. Topics reviewed include systemic host factors such as age, gender, various medical conditions, and patient habits, local host factors involving the quantity and quality of bone and soft tissue, presence of present or past infection and occlusion, prosthetic design factors, including the number and arrangement of implants, size and coatings of implants, cantilevers and connections to natural teeth, and methods to improve outcomes of implant treatment in each category. The review demonstrated that there is no systemic factor or habit that is an absolute contraindication to the placement of osseointegrated implants in the adult patient, although cessation of smoking can improve outcome significantly. The most important local patient factor for successful treatment is the quality and quantity of bone available at the implant site. Specific design criteria are provided, including guidelines for spacing of implants, size, materials, occlusion, and fit. Limitations in the current body of knowledge are identified, and directions for future research are suggested.     

Prosthodontic management of the cleft-palate patient

Unlike some of the disciplines involved in the treatment of the cleft-palate patient, prosthodontics can have application from birth to death. Prosthodontic care never ends. Once surgical care or speech therapy has been completed, the need for follow-up care is ended unless specific problems manifest. With prosthodontic care, not only a restoration of the anatomic, physiologic, and cosmetic deficiencies but also a continual vigilance for signs of dental and periodontal problems must be undertaken. Preventive care is imperative if long-term preservation of the supporting structures and the well-being of the patient are to be attained.