Free-standing versus implant-tooth-interconnected restorations: understanding the prosthodontic perspective

The surgical and prosthetic protocols for use of dental implants were originally developed for the treatment of complete edentulism. Implants are now widely used to treat partial edentulism, but the necessary adjustments to the prosthetic protocol have been developed largely on a trial-and-error basis. This paper reviews the efficacy of commonly used restorative techniques for partially edentulous arches and relates these techniques to Brånemark's original prosthetic protocol.