[The fundamental method of preventive prosthodontics: complex rehabilitation of the masticatory organ]

The most effective prosthetic prophlaxis could be the prevention of causes leading to tooth extractions. As now the caries and periodontal preventions are not efficient enough we are obligated to deal with the consequences of tooth loss. Even the loss of a single tooth might cause disfunctions in the masticatory system. Besides the well known consequences, like diminished masticatory, phonetic functions and esthetical problems we have to face to the consequences related to morphological changes in the dentition leading to difficulties in prosthodontic treatment planning and tooth preparation. So, the most important step in prosthodontic prophylaxis is the early replacement of the lost tooth. The early prosthetic reconstruction can only be prophylactic if it does not interfere with the normal hygienic procedures in the oral cavity. Consequently it is very important to consider all the possible factors affecting the oral hygiene during our prosthetic treatment planning. We should also consider the basic gnatological principles in designing the occlusal surface of crowns and pontics to avoid any traumatic occlusal forces related to our would be reconstructions.