Prosthodontic treatment.

Prosthodontic management of patients with implants of any kind will logically begin from the time at which the patient first presents for examination. It is essential that the patient be managed by an effective team. The restorative dentist, responsible for the ultimate restoration of the patient, should be a leading member of the implant team. The prosthodontist assumes ultimate responsibility for determination of fixture number and location based on prosthetic and functional needs. By carefully evaluating conditions with the other team members, the limitations and potential for fixture placement will be realized and consensus regarding treatment objectives will be achieved. This paper provides an overview of the restorative dentist's role in general patient assessment, in surgical and restorative treatment planning, and in the various stages of treatment from surgical placement through a range of definitive reconstructive procedures.