Reconstructive preprosthetic surgery. I. Anatomical considerations.

When considering preprosthetic surgery of the edentulous jaws, it is important that the clinician fully understands the anatomical consequences of reduction of the residual ridges. Based on a classification of the edentulous jaws, changes in the relationship of the jaws to each other, in muscle relations and function, in the oral mucosa and in facial morphology have been measured relative to the stage of resorption of the edentulous jaws.