Introduction. The role of the total lower denture is not only to replace the
missing teeth but also to provide the substitute for a range of supporting
tissues which have diminished due to the process of resorption, to
re-establish the original relations in the region of jaw complex, to support
the surrounding soft tissues which have lost their natural support, and,
moreover, to be unobtrusive and discrete substitution of lost functions.
Application of Mini-dental Implants. If anatomical conditions are
unfavorable, there is a wide range of oral-surgical pre-prosthetic procedures
which can be performed on both soft tissues and bone structures
(vestibuloplasty, alveolar ridge augmentation...) in order to enable proper
fabrication of the total lower denture to some extent. Having in mind the old
age of the patients, the majority of who suffer from chronic diseases such as
diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular problems, systemic diseases etc., these
procedures should be avoided because of the extent of the procedure, possible
systemic complications and prolonged therapy period. Conclusion. Most
recently, the application of titanium endosteal mini implants have proved to
be one of good solutions in overcoming unfavorable anatomical conditions
resulting in stability and retention of total lower dentures.
Familial Hypodontia: A Case Series
