Modern Restorative Management of Patients with Congenitally Missing Teeth: 4. The Role of Implants

From Volume 34, Issue 2, March 2007 | Pages 79-84

Authors

Karl Bishop

MScD, DRD MRD, FDS RCS FDS (Rest Dent), RCS LLM

Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Maxillo-Facial Unit, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK

Articles by Karl Bishop

Liam Addy

BDS, MFDS, MPhil FDS (Rest Dent)

Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Cardiff University Dental Hospital, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XY

Articles by Liam Addy

Jeremy Knox

BDS, MScD, PhD, FDS, MOrth, FDS(Orth)

Professor and Consultant, Maxillo-Facial Unit, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK

Articles by Jeremy Knox

Abstract

In this fourth and final paper on the management of patients with congenitally missing teeth, the use of dental implants is considered. This group of patients often provides unique challenges when implant reconstruction is considered. Often a multidisciplinary approach is required involving orthodontists, oral surgeons and restorative dentists. The use of dental implant systems is a rapidly developing area of dentistry and its implications on hypodontia are discussed. This paper identifies the problems associated with a congenital absence of teeth and addresses their management in relation to the use of implants.

Article