Implant prosthodontic treatment options for the edentulous patient

Longitudinally documented benefits for edentulous patients of treatment outcomes of the osseointegration technique demonstrate compelling therapeutic results. Heterogeneous population groups, treated in different centres by various dental specialists, have provided impressive evidence of a minimal burden of illness associated with the procedure. A critical appraisal of the many components of any implemented treatment paradigm demands repeated analysis of the factors which enable patients' informed consent and dentists' optimal decision making. This paper reviews those salient aspects which impact upon decision making with implant-supported prostheses. It emphasizes the predominance of bone structure in selecting the most likely favourable treatment outcome.