[Classification of edentulous mandibles in preventive implantology].

The aim of preventive implantology is to prevent or delay the resorption of edentulous alveolar ridges. The classifications of the resorption stages of the mandible which are now in use, are not applicable to preventive implantology. After anatomic research it was concluded that the resorption of the alveolar ridge of the mandible should be classified in three stages. Loaded as well as unloaded implants can function as tooth root analogues in maintaining the volume of the edentulous ridge.