Decision-making in full-arch restorative dentistry: part 2

A multitude of decisions must be made when performing restorative dentistry, particularly full-arch restorative dentistry. The likelihood of making the correct decision can be improved if the dentist attends appropriate high-quality continuing education, reads refereed literature, works with an experienced mentor, and has some personal experience with this type of dentistry. Consulting with a laboratory technician and a periodontist (or other specialist) before beginning a full-arch case may help as well. Finding one's "comfort zone" and staying within that zone will benefit both the patient and the dentist; a dentist who feels uncomfortable attempting a procedure (particularly one beyond his or her capability) should refer the patient to a specialist. Full-arch dentistry can be very rewarding in many ways (Fig. 10-12), but it also can be quite the opposite if the wrong decisions are made at any stage of the process.