Twenty years of progress in implant prosthodontics

Prosthodontic focus on the restoration of osseointegrated dental implants has evolved dramatically in the last 20 years. Many of the original guiding principles for restoring implants have changed and/or disappeared altogether, and new ideas have taken their place. It is appropriate that this evolution be examined with a 2-fold focus. First, the art and science of prosthodontics as it relates to dental implants today is the result of very real and important lessons learned during the past 2 decades. Second, an appreciation of the history of implant prosthodontics as it relates to osseointegration gives insight into the future direction of research and clinical exploration aimed at continually improving the state of the art and, ultimately, the quality of care provided to patients. This article reviews what the authors consider the most important aspects of the evolution of osseointegrated implants. Pertinent literature was selected for citation, but the discussion does not represent a comprehensive review of the literature.