Considerations for planning for and fabricating complete dentures.

During the past year, studies have been completed to advance our knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of the edentulous patient. The need for pretreatment radiographs on every edentulous patient is not always indicated. Advances in preprosthetic surgery help to improve the predictability of these procedures. New techniques for establishing the vertical dimension of occlusion may allow this to become a more objective measurement. Evaluation of dental materials for use with complete dentures continues, with soft liners and the use of microwave energy for curing denture resin just two areas of interest. A recent study showed a very high prevalence of signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders among complete denture wearers. Methods for its treatment are discussed. The use of increased infection control procedures in the dental office and laboratory have created a need to evaluate the effects of disinfecting agents on the dental prosthesis. The removable complete denture remains an effective alternative for the replacement of missing teeth.