Management of the edentulous patient

Being edentulous is a handicap, and the main objective of implant placement is to provide support of fixed prostheses or to stabilize complete denture s in the edentulous jaw. Clinical experience and clinical studies have demo nstrated the broad application of non-submerged ITI implants in prosthetic therapy in standard sites and in situations of advanced atrophy or substant ial loss of tissue. The ITI implant was developed for universal use in part ially and completely edentulous patients and for replacement of single miss ing teeth. The abutment system offers the choice of both removable and fixe d prostheses with identical secondary parts. The present article describes the use of ITI implants for prosthodontic rehabilitation in the completely edentulous jaw. Indications and various types of fixed or removable prosthe ses, alternatives and variations of design are discussed. Prosthetic design is dependent on the number and location of implants, and conversely, the n umber of implants that can be placed will determine the choice of prosthesi s. Treatment planning in general and with respect to individual anatomic-mo rphologic conditions is described for the upper and lower jaw. Details of c linical procedures with ITI implants related to the specific design of pros theses are presented. Biomechanical aspects of fixation and stabilization o f prostheses and aspects of occlusion to be built up complete the overview.