title: Conventional and implant oral prostheses.
abstract: Despite advances in preventive dentistry, many elderly persons present with several missing teeth replaced by oral prostheses of various kinds. An increasing number of prostheses are retained and supported by oral implants. Maintaining a complete dentition with fixed, removable, or implant-retained prostheses improves function and patient self-esteem. Irrespective of the prosthesis type, periodic functional and health reassessments are necessary. Strict oral hygiene protocols must be reinforced continually and appropriate modifications (relines) and repairs should be performed to prevent possible degeneration of supporting structures. Although implants promise enhanced function and greater patient satisfaction, they too require careful maintenance. Thus, all oral prostheses require close monitoring and maintenance care. A physician can make an important contribution to a patient's health and quality of life by ensuring that he or she receives routine oral health care.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Guckes
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003757:Dental Implantation; D015921:Dental Implants; D003779:Denture Design; D003778:Dentures; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants