The Current and Future Treatment of Edentulism

The purpose of this review and summary is to focus the clinician's attention on existing potential limitations regarding the management of edentulism. The current published data and opinions concerning the need for treating edentulism, the quality of dentures, related morbidity, and alternative or related therapeutics (e.g., dental implants) suggest there are opportunities for improvement in the treatment of the edentulous population. This may be achieved by adopting a broader therapeutic strategy focused not solely on technical aspects of an oral prosthesis. Instead, a wider array of clinical features of the edentulous patient should be addressed. A contemporary strategy may include concerns for prevention of tooth loss, evaluation of residual alveolar ridge resorption, and related issues of denture function, continual evaluation of oral mucosal health, compassionate management of maladaptive patients, a rationale for timely replacement of dentures, and continued development of dental implant therapies. The importance of therapeutic technical quality can be underscored, but should not overwhelm the broader concerns for assuring the overall health and well-being of the edentulous population.