Main

Donos N, Laurell L et al. Periodontol 2000 2012; 59: 89–110

At the heart of this paper is Figure 9. It is a pyramid, analogous to a risk 'carrot diagram'. However, in this figure, the 'unacceptable region' is at the apex and comprises that minority of patients for whom implants are contra-indicated. Reasons could be because aggressive periodontitis has not been stabilised or that there is compromised alveolar bone quality and quantity. At the base of this pyramid, are those patients who would benefit from implants because predictable oral health has been demonstrated, there is a favourable dental implant bed and there are realistic expectations. Reconstruction with implants is compared with other treatment strategies. For example, the 'shortened dental arch concept' is contrasted with the 'periodontal-prosthodontic concept' whereby dentitions with marked reduced periodontal support are restored with cross-arch bridges.