The management of severe hypodontia. Part 2: bone augmentation and the provision of implant supported prostheses

The first part of this series on severe hypodontia discussed the assessment of patients and factors to consider when treatment planning for the provision of conventional restorative solutions. This article discusses the provision of implant supported prostheses in the severe hypodontia patient who typically presents with inadequate bone volume and other associated dental and craniofacial anomalies. The role of bone augmentation to facilitate implant placement is discussed, in addition to prosthesis design and long-term maintenance. With careful case selection and planning most patients with severe hypodontia can be rehabilitated effectively, both functionally and aesthetically, with implant supported prostheses. In complex cases the involvement of a multidisciplinary team is needed to improve outcome. It should be highlighted that these patients will require ongoing follow up, maintenance and retreatment procedures over their lifetimes.