The role of removable prostheses and implants in the restoration of the worn dentition.

A variety of removable prostheses is available to restore the dentition which exhibits wear and extensive loss of teeth from the arch. Such treatment may be either interceptive or transitional in order to stabilise the occlusion or definitive as part of rehabilitation. Tooth surface loss may necessitate crowning with the provision of conventional removable partial dentures or decoronation and the use of overdentures. Extensive loading generated by parafunction is often considered to risk the failure of restorations stabilised by implants and so may contra-indicate treatment. Screening out unsuitable cases appears to result in few incidents of implant failure and new designs may further reduce the risk.