Evidence‐Based Criteria for Differential Treatment Planning of Implant Restorations for the Mandibular Edentulous Patient

Since the introduction of the ad modum Branemark prototype prosthesis for the mandibular edentulous patient more than 30 years ago, design permutations have met clinician and patient considerations. Dental student training and specialist continuing education often rely on anecdotal reports of success to determine the recommended design for patients. Decision‐making algorithms for treatment are optimally predicated on the best available evidence. The purpose of this article is to elucidate the benefit/risk calculus of various implant modalities for the mandibular edentulous patient.     

Stabilized Record Base for Implant Treatment

It is important to obtain an accurate interocclusal record for the restoration of patients undergoing implant treatment. Atrophic alveolar bone in the mandible not only limits the placement of implants, but also contributes to deficient ridge morphology resulting in unstable record bases. Securing the record base to the implants is a useful way to obtain an accurate registration. The technique presented in this article uses two widely spaced implants as the optimal number of implants to stabilize record bases.