Surgical-prosthetic correction of dentofacial deformities.

The rehabilitation of optimal masticatory function in many persons who have difficult prosthetic dental conditions can be significantly aided by newer orthognathic surgical procedures. The combined surgical-prosthetic approach for these patients requires close cooperation and communication between the general dentist or prosthodontist and the oral surgeon, particularly because various aspects of the surgical treatment planning for these patients differ greatly from those for patients with complete natural dentitions. A discussion and report of cases illustrate germane aspects of evaluation of conditions, treatment planning, and surgical approaches to the more commonly encountered surgical-prosthetic dental problems.