The management of severe hypodontia. Part 2: bone augmentation and the provision of implant supported prostheses.

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The first part of this series on severe hypodontia discussed the assessment of patients and factors to consider when treatment planning for the provision of conventional restorative solutions . This article discusses the provision of implant supported prostheses in the severe hypodontia patient who typically presents with inadequate bone volume and other associated dental and craniofacial anomalies . The role of bone augmentation to facilitate implant placement is discussed , in addition to prosthesis design and long -term maintenance . With careful case selection and planning most patients with severe hypodontia can be rehabilitated effectively , both functionally and aesthetically , with implant supported prostheses . In complex cases the involvement of a multidisciplinary team is needed to improve outcome . It should be highlighted that these patients will require ongoing follow up , maintenance and retreatment procedures over their lifetimes .