A universally accepted definition of ideal occlusion has been elusive. This is because an ideal occlusion can only be defined in broad terms of a physiological range of form and function. Functional aspects of occlusion, rather than specific anatomical...

Saliva plays a significant role in the preservation and maintenance of oral health and function. It supports digestion by preparing food for mastication and swallowing, contributes to taste perception, facilitates speech communication and provides oral tissues...

The gingiva is tightly connected to the underlying periosteum. It is globally keratinized and has a stippled surface. Its color varies from pink to brown or even black, depending on race and/or melanin deposits. It can be distinguished from alveolar mucosa, which...

Examination of existing dentures provides invaluable information on patients’ perceptions of teeth and soft tissue esthetics, including facial vertical dimension support. It also informs clinicians regarding their patients’ overall...

Routine evaluation of a patient’s temporo-mandibular joint function is an integral part of any oral examination.
Moreover, good muscular control and painless coordination of jaw movements are desirable in the management of edentulism...

The key to understanding maxillo-mandibular jaw relations from a patient-centered treatment point of view is to recognize the inseparable nature of the mandible’s two positions - vertical and horizontal. They can be discussed...

The recording of patient-specific vertical and horizontal jaw relations is a necessary starting point when planning for the occlusal rehabilitation. They are integral components of the mandible’s centric relation (CR)...

Successful oral rehabilitation of edentulous patients with removable prostheses demands careful adherence to a clinical protocol.
Clinical objectives are met by using a routine clinical protocol that includes most or all of the following steps...

Most patients’ mouth opening readily permits access for routine prosthodontic and surgical treatment interventions. Limited mouth opening or microstomia is encountered in patients exposed to sclerodermia, diffuse systemic...

Optimal esthetic treatment outcomes require a harmonious reconciliation between lip morhology and teeth positioning. Lips provide a picture frame for the anterior teeth that support them; with mouth size and labial contours depending on genetically...

Relevant risk factors for implant treatment:

• Children and adolescents (during ongoing bone/skeletal development), unless in selected anodontia patients. However, implant placement for orthodontic treatment purposes is indicated.
• Uncontrolled metabolic diseases such as Diabetes Mellit...

Parafunctional activities can apply high forces to both implant and prosthetic components. These forces can lead to fracture or loosening of screws and abutments, chipping of the veneering material or fracture of the prosthetic reconstruction...

It is important to evaluate signs indicating if the patient abuses alcohol or takes recreational drugs and may have developed addictions. In general these drugs have a psychedelic,...

The medical history should reveal if the patient takes any prescribed medication and especially whether in the correct dosage. Fear of oral surgery may induce a temporary overconsumption of drugs such as beta-blockers or...

Smoking and nicotine consumption have a constrictive effect on blood vessels thereby reducing blood supply. It increases the susceptibility to periodontal inflammatory diseases, dry extraction sockets and wound healing...