The evolution of advanced prosthodontic care: a 30-year patient report

This clinical report demonstrates the history of a patient with progressive periodontal deterioration and illustrates how prosthodontic treatment has evolved over time. In 1974, maxillary and mandibular telescopic porcelain-fused-to-gold fixed prostheses and a semi-precision maxillary distal-extension removable partial denture represented leading edge technology. Over time, a gradual deterioration in the patient's intraoral condition occurred secondary to chronic, inflammatory periodontal disease, failed appointments, and recurrent caries. Prosthodontic treatment was also evolving. The patient's teeth were extracted and ultimately replaced with two implant-supported fixed prostheses. This clinical report is one example of how patients continually benefit from continued research in biology and materials science.