Ridge form in preprosthetic surgery.

Abstract

In preprosthetic surgery there is a need for improved methods of diagnosis that are based on the recognition of the anatomy of the deficient residual ridge. These methods enable the surgeon to direct his attention to obtaining the ideal ridge form for denture construction. To this end, characteristics and patterns of resorption as well as a cephalometric method of assessment are presented. A problem-oriented classification of deficient residual ridges will also permit the clinician to select the most effective method of treatment.