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


OBJECTIVE
This article compares various prosthetic treatments to restore completely and partially edentulous mouths for their ability to preserve residual alveolar bone.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Wyatt
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003778:Dentures; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation*