[Total prosthesis--a review of the literature]

A review of literature on full denture prosthetics is given with reference to the newest scientific results with clinical relevance. Presently, the accent seems to be on gerontological problems, on basic research of the denture bearing tissues and on the entire masticatory system after loss of teeth and under the influence of prosthetic rehabilitation. Finally research on dental materials and on microbiological problems are raised. An increasing number of investigations critically deals with existing and clinically proven methods and concepts of full denture construction. In the review of literature special fields like hybrid prosthetics and defect prosthetics have not been included, prosthetic materials only in special instances.