ABSTRACT
Narrow diameter implants are a lower cost alternative to conventional implants and are used to retain mandibular dentures. The experiences at a dental school predoctoral clinic are reviewed. The cumulative success rate for 626 fixtures placed in a six-year period is 92.6 percent with high patient satisfaction. Narrow diameter implants are a useful adjunct in the long-term management of edentulous patients.
Subject(s)
Dental Implants , Dental Prosthesis Design , Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported , Denture Retention , Mandible/surgery , Denture, Overlay , Humans , Jaw, Edentulous/rehabilitation , Jaw, Edentulous/surgery , Patient Satisfaction , Surface Properties , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) has developed a classification system designed for use by dental professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of completely dentate patients. This classification is the third in a series and is similar to the Classifications for Complete Edentulism and Partial Edentulism previously developed by the ACP. These guidelines are intended to aid practitioners in the systematic diagnosis of each patient which, in turn, should lead to an appropriate treatment. Four categories of a completely dentate situation are defined (Class I-IV), differentiated by specific diagnostic criteria, with Class I representing an uncomplicated clinical situation and Class IV representing the most complex clinical situation. Potential benefits of the system include (1) improved intraoperator consistency, (2) improved professional communication, (3) insurance reimbursement commensurate with complexity of care, (4) an improved screening tool for dental school admission clinics, (5) standardized criteria for outcomes assessment and research, (6) enhanced diagnostic consistency, and (7) a simplified aid in the decision-making process associated with referral.
Subject(s)
Diagnosis, Oral/standards , Tooth Diseases/classification , Humans , Interdisciplinary Communication , Needs Assessment/classification , Patient Care Planning/standards , ProsthodonticsABSTRACT
The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) has developed a classification system for partial edentulism based on diagnostic findings. This classification system is similar to the classification system for complete edentulism previously developed by the ACP. These guidelines are intended to help practitioners determine appropriate treatments for their patients. Four categories of partial edentulism are defined, Class I to Class IV, with Class I representing an uncomplicated clinical situation and class IV representing a complex clinical situation. Each class is differentiated by specific diagnostic criteria. This system is designed for use by dental professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of partially edentulous patients. Potential benefits of the system include (1) improved intraoperator consistency, (2) improved professional communication, (3) insurance reimbursement commensurate with complexity of care, (4) improved screening tool for dental school admission clinics, (5) standardized criteria for outcomes assessment and research, (6) enhanced diagnostic consistency, and (7) simplified aid in the decision to refer a patient.
