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Fundamentals of Treatment Planning Guidelines On How To Develop Plan Write and Deliver A Prosthodontic Care 1st Edition Lino Calvani
Fundamentals of Treatment Planning Guidelines On How To Develop Plan Write and Deliver A Prosthodontic Care 1st Edition Lino Calvani
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FUNDAMENTALS OF TREATMENT PLANNING
Lino Calvani
Lino Calvani, MD, DDS, CDT, MSc, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professor
Department of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry
Faculty of Prosthodontics
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Fellow of the:
American College of Prosthodontists
Academy of Prosthodontists
Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontists
International College of Prosthodontists
International College of Dentists
III
5 4 3 2 1
All rights reserved. This book or any part thereof may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or
otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.
Printed in Korea
Lino Calvani
VI
Chapter one
Past, present, and future of treatment planning _________________________________________ 1
Chapter two
Treatment planning management ___________________________________________________________ 9
Chapter three
Prosthodontic tools for treatment planning ______________________________________________ 21
VII
Chapter four
Data, findings, and dental semiotics ________________________________________________________ 33
Chapter five
The first visit – diagnostics ___________________________________________________________________ 49
Chapter six
Diagnosis and prognosis ______________________________________________________________________ 69
Chapter seven
Physical examination – Part I: extraoral examination ___________________________________ 85
VIII
Chapter eight
Physical examination – Part II: intraoral examination ___________________________________ 121
IX
Chapter nine
Main clinical examination assessment questions ________________________________________ 153
Chapter ten
The type and structure of prosthodontic treatments ____________________________________ 163
Chapter eleven
Treatment planning analysis of complex rehabilitations
Phase I: Diagnostics, consultations, and emergencies ___________________________________ 173
Chapter twelve
Treatment planning analysis of complex rehabilitations
Phase II: Prosthetic and restorative treatment ___________________________________________ 189
Chapter thirteen
Treatment planning analysis of complex rehabilitations
Phase III: Posttreatment care and recalls __________________________________________________ 211
Planning for Phase III 212 || Educating patients about personal oral
|| Periodic recalls for maintenance 213 hygiene 216
|| Patient compliance and special maintenance Treatment planning fluoride 219
holding programs 213 Treatment planning prophylactic therapies 220
Basic prosthodontic maintenance checklists 214 Treatment planning the improvement of the
|| Fixed prosthesis maintenance checklist 214 patient’s diet 221
|| Removable partial denture (RPD) maintenance Making patients more aware of dangerous
checklist 214 habits 222
|| Complete denture (CD) maintenance checklist 215 References 223
Reinforcing oral hygiene at recall visits 216
Chapter fourteen
Treatment planning for the elderly and those with challenging health
conditions _______________________________________________________________________________________ 227
Some medical statistics 228 Prosthodontic treatment planning for elderly and
Patient awareness and communication 229 geriatric patients 230
XI
Chapter fifteen
How to write a prosthodontic treatment plan ____________________________________________ 241
I. How to write a prosthodontic treatment plan for || Phase I diagnostics – case narrative 255
your patient 242 Case 4 Perioprosthetic treatment 259
II. How to write a prosthodontic treatment plan || Phase I diagnostics – case narrative 259
for a professional case presentation 243 Case 5 Perioprosthetic treatment 263
III. Main text and writing guidelines 243 || Phase I diagnostics – case narrative 263
IV. Prosthodontic case presentation Case 6 Maxillary complete dentures and
narratives 247 mandibular fixed/removable partial denture 266
|| Examples and scenarios 247 || Completed case narrative 1 266
Case 1 Perioprosthetic treatment 248 Case 7 Rehabilitation of complete dentures 277
|| Phase I diagnostics – case narrative 248 || Completed case narrative 277
Case 2 Perioprosthetic treatment 252 Case 8 Fixed and removable combined
|| Phase I diagnostics – case narrative 252 rehabilitation 282
Case 3 Perioprosthetic treatment 255 || Completed case narrative 282
XII
What we know and do today creates the premises to rationalize and select the fundamentals. It was
of our tomorrow. a challenge to avoid dipping too deeply into the
A scientific book is like a mosaic, a complex of various more philosophical ideas and notions that
many chapters or tiles, each one with its color and comprise this complex field, although some of these
meaning and specific position in the whole. How- are touched upon in the text when necessary. How-
ever, when you look at a single tile you only see that ever, analysis and description are the backbones of
particular color, whereas if you look at all the tiles the book, and treatment planning is the basic scaf-
you see the overall final composition. This book it- folding on which I have constructed the text. Treat-
self is a humble tile that is part of a much larger ment planning is the investigative and diagnostic
mosaic – medical care. phase where the clinician plans a well-structured,
The specialty of prosthodontics was born almost rational sequence of care steps in order to best treat
two centuries ago in the United States of America, each individual patient. And this aspect naturally
where it still evolves at a pace and level of complex- expands in the book into defining and discussing
ity that is unknown anywhere else. Prosthodon- many other aspects of prosthodontic work as well
tic science is not an easy matter to deal with. It is as possible collaboration with other related dental
probably the field of dental medicine that deals with medical specialties that contribute to the rehabil
the largest amount of medical, dental, clinical, and itation of patients such as periodontics, orthodon-
laboratory data. But even though it is complex, it is tics, endodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and other
beautiful and requires humble passion and commit- specialties.
ment to know it well. Recent discoveries and tech- Although the book primarily addresses pros
nological advances have increased the amount and thodontic specialists, it also explains basic mat-
quality of new treatment modalities. This may some- ters relevant to all medical fields. Therefore, grad-
times be misinterpreted as ‘heavier’ procedures, but uate and postgraduate students as well as general
in fact it is not. While the increasing wealth of in- practitioners and specialists in other fields besides
formation may appear to be overwhelming or very prosthodontics will hopefully find useful explana-
complex, it is really only a matter of putting in the tions and outlines that will make them aware of
constant effort of learning how to handle it. For- the various aspects and possibilities of medical and
tunately, there are many new digital technologies prosthetic treatment planning as it exists today. Af-
available today that are helping us to achieve this. ter all, medical and dental medical treatment plans
The entire preliminary before-treatment assessment have the same basic origin and structure.
that professionals in all fields of medicine and den- I strongly believe that treatment planning should
tal medicine have to commit to before they begin to be elevated to the same level as other scientific medical
care for a patient can be summarized in two simple fields such as anatomy and physiology and afforded
words: treatment planning. the same respect and dignity. It should be taught and
I wrote this book because while lecturing on the evaluated as a subject in its own right. Furthermore,
topic of prosthodontic treatment planning over the in the study, discussion, and formulation of a treat-
years I was asked to organize my notes and make ment plan, practitioners should never place their
them easily accessible to all students. The complex- own professional pride or economic interest be-
ity of the topic and the enormous body of existing fore the best interests of the patient, whose health
literature engaged me in a great effort of synthesis should always be the paramount issue. The needs of
XIII
every patient should be treated with respect. Every we are in detecting their condition/s and realizing
case deserves to be rehabilitated in full agreement how other physical ailments may be manifesting as
with the patient. dental problems. It is for this reason that we need
Winston Churchill is credited with saying: “He to know our patients better from a broader med-
who fails to plan is planning to fail.” This refers to the ical perspective. A deeper understanding of how
logical premise that planning is essential in order to to conduct a physical examination of the head and
achieve success in human endeavor. Knowledge and neck area may be helpful and improve the way we
organization are the main keys to success and make work. The eyes, ears, nose, hands, and brain of the
all the difference between professionalism and in- dental medical professional can not only help peo-
competence. For this reason, success in prosthodon- ple to chew, speak, and look better, but also to live
tics (as in most other human activity) depends on better, safer, and longer lives; in some cases, they
the amount and quality of our knowledge and how may even save lives. As professionals we have to
we plan to carry out the work we face – the detail of be conscious and aware of this because we work in
the where, when, and how of it – in order to predict the same medical field as physicians and surgeons,
and then achieve the best possible results. and we should all be able to perform a careful phys-
The topic of this book is deeply rooted in medical ical examination of the head and neck. The more we
ethics. As a board-certified physician, dentist, dental know and practice, the better able we are to take
technician, and prosthodontist, over time I have care of our patients.
become convinced that our professional duties go I respectfully bring this book to the attention of
way beyond the limits of the teeth and the oral all my young colleagues, both national and inter-
cavity. national, who may find the text helpful in order to
Who we are is expressed by what we know and form and organize their thinking and to formulate
what we do, which is largely a matter of conscious- correct diagnoses and therapies that start with ap-
ness and awareness. The physical health of our pa- propriate treatment planning. I will derive a little
tients is our primary goal; it is for this reason they satisfaction if, with my effort, I am able to help cli-
seek our help. Apart from how patients take care of nicians and patients to improve their work and live
themselves, once they are in our offices their phys- better lives.
ical health largely depends on how well we perform
our examinations, and how attentive and clever Lino Calvani, 2020
XIV
Thank you to my parents, Mario and Jole, beloved helpful sensitivity and brainstorming capabilities.
knowledgeable pediatrician and dentist. Your Thank you, dearest Francesca, for your love. I hope
superb example and loving memories are always you will forgive me for all the private time I took
with me. You taught me to commit my profession to from your lives. Thank you dear Avril, unique editor
the exclusive interest of the patient and of science. and friend, you are always able to teach me a lot.
Thank you to my daughter, Ludovica, ortho- Thank you to my endless list of teachers who
dontist, for your invaluable contribution, and to have been beacons for me. I will always be your
my son, Gianluigi, actor and playwright, for your humble student.
XV
The book is divided into 15 chapters that describe to be considered; the importance of clearly under-
different aspects of prosthodontic treatment plan- standing the chief complaint/s that lead to patients
ning, from the first meeting with the patient to the seeking help; patients’ understanding of their actual
delivery of the final prosthodontic treatment plan. condition/s; the possibility of achieving an ideal
As you will see, each chapter describes a specific treatment plan; the sometimes inevitable compro-
topic. Due to the complexity of the subject mat- mises that need to be clearly explained to patients
ter, many topics appear in more than one chapter. to gain their understanding, awareness, and final
The reader is therefore provided with an index at approval; and the importance and possible limita-
the back of the book as well as cross-referencing tions of the informed consent, which is the neces-
throughout in order to reinforce the understanding sary final step before treatment begins.
of treatment planning.
Progressive explanations lead the reader to the Chapter three: Prosthodontic tools for
last chapter, which contains a number of examples treatment planning
of how to write and describe a treatment plan. This chapter describes the main restorative treatment
The structure of the book is learner-friendly and options that exist in prosthodontics, which can be
will hopefully help readers to understand and memo- used as care tools to plan any type of rehabilitation.
rize both the concepts and their functional rationale. The chapter also includes a discussion of the rapid
The following paragraphs present a short de- development of digital technologies and the impact
scription of what you can expect from each chapter. of this on the field of prosthodontics, including the
way in which our work has to be continually updated.
Chapter one: Past, present, and future of
treatment planning Chapter four: Data, findings, and dental
This introductory chapter, born from a curiosity to semiotics
better understand how medical treatment planning The topic of data and findings is discussed in the
came to be conceived, highlights the scientific as- next chapter, including how, when, and why to col-
pects related to the development of treatment plan- lect and interpret their meaning. Signs and symp-
ning. Only the information that seems to have an toms such as pain, fever, and hyperthermia are also
obvious connection to the topic is discussed. The defined and their diagnostic importance described.
data show the clear growth trend of treatment plan- The semiotic clinical analysis is explained with re-
ning in the western world. Possible future perspec- gard to investigating the clinical signs that lead to a
tives to date and in the foreseeable future are also more complete diagnosis.
touched upon. Due to the obvious restraints of the
size and nature of this publication, much informa- Chapter five: The first visit – diagnostics
tion has had to be omitted. The aims and significance of the first visit are elab-
orated upon in this chapter. A description is given
Chapter two: Treatment planning of the different types of practical techniques that
management are used to gather information about patients. Also
The purpose and aims of any treatment plan are ex- delineated is the diagnostic information that needs
plained and discussed in this chapter. Also discussed to be gathered and assessed during the first visit
are the basis of respect for all patients; the priorities such as the patient’s chief complaint/s; personal,
XVI
medical, dental, and prosthodontic history; and psy- treatment types according to the three main possi-
chologic profile. The development of the initial part ble clinical variables: pure prosthodontic rehabilita-
of the treatment plan, the management of emergen- tions, those in collaboration with other specialists,
cies, and the restorative planning are also described. and the presence of disease.
Chapter six: Diagnosis and prognosis Chapters eleven, twelve, and thirteen:
The meaning of the diagnosis, the differential diag- Treatment planning analysis of complex
nosis, and the prognosis are detailed in this chapter rehabilitations
as well as their importance to the positive outcome The timing and organization of the different
of the prosthodontic treatment. The pretreatment phases comprising a prosthodontic treatment
and posttreatment prognoses are analyzed, and the plan are described and analyzed in these three
periodontal, prosthodontic, and orthodontic eti- chapters. Each of the three phases is explained
ology and risk factors that may impact the timing with a view to understanding the priorities and
of the prognoses are also described. to better organize the sequence of the phases in
order to simplify the analysis and narrative de-
Chapters seven and eight: Physical scription of a treatment plan. Also explained is
examinations the importance of integrating the radiographic
These two chapters on the medical examination and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
present a step-by-step description of the basic pro- diagnostic examinations to better define the final
cedures and methods that need to be applied when diagnosis.
examining patients, starting from the first moment
of engagement with the patient and following with Chapter fourteen: Treatment planning
the chairside examination at the first visit. Useful for the elderly and those with challenging
descriptions of all the most important extraoral and health conditions
intraoral anatomical features are provided, together This chapter deals with the topic of treatment plan-
with their clinical and prosthodontic relevance and ning for elderly patients and those with drug addic-
importance. The semiotic possibilities of these ex- tions. Included are observations on how the body
aminations are also evaluated. and oral cavity age, and how medicines and drugs
influence and affect patients and, in turn, the effect
Chapter nine: Main clinical examination this has on medical or dental treatment plans. Also
assessment questions shown is how the changes of aging can significantly
This chapter continues the topic of examinations. It affect a prosthodontic treatment, so that alternative
details the clinical intraoral and extraoral examina- solutions need to be planned according to the pa-
tions and their importance in evaluating and assess- tient’s needs. Discussed too is how transitory or
ing patients’ health status and possible past and ongo- chronic major conditions may modify a patient’s
ing conditions. This can be considered an important capability to withstand an oral rehabilitation. A
juncture in the clinician–patient relationship, which description and analysis are given of the most im-
can decide whether we gain patients’ trust or lose portant drugs and how they may cause addiction as
them as patients; the procedures and suggestions in well as how they affect and influence oral treatment
this chapter are therefore crucial. choices.
Chapter ten: The type and structure of Chapter fifteen: How to write a
prosthodontic treatments prosthodontic treatment plan
This chapter describes, analyzes, and proposes a The final chapter describes why and how treatment
new and original classification for prosthodontic plans can be presented for in-office purposes or for
XVII
XVIII
“The world moves in front of them who know comprehensive treatment of clinical cases for miss-
where to go and what to do.” ing or deficient teeth and oral and maxillofacial tis-
Lino Calvani sue in order to competently find solutions and cures
using biocompatible substitutes. The focus is on the
I approached this profession and specialty with in- following areas:
finite humbleness, respect, curiosity, and commit-
ment, and this is what still pushes me forward with 1. Patient assessment (both medical and dental
passion. Prosthodontics is a beautiful, complex, and history).
very demanding specialty in terms of knowledge 2. Extraoral and intraoral examination.
and commitment. I have been moved to see in the 3. Radiologic assessment and occlusal analysis.
literature how many have dedicated so much of their 4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessment.
lives to its development and success. The list of lit- 5. Systemic, infectious, and neoplastic disease
erature that follows (in alphabetical order) is a small screening (education for prevention).
but highly representative sample of the significant 6. Diagnosis.
writings dedicated to the growth and development 7. Risk assessment and prognosis.
of prosthodontics. The amazing professionals who 8. Treatment planning.
have written these articles, papers, and books, and 9. Comprehensive treatment.
the many others who are not included in this list for 10. Outcomes assessment and delivery.
reasons of space, have set a standard of passion and 11. Follow-up and maintenance.
professionalism that is difficult to match.
The specialty of prosthodontics was originally As professionals, we ‘profess’ to believe in who we
recognized in 1948 by the Commission of Dental are and what we do. As the Mission Statement of the
Accreditation (CODA), an independent agency of American College of Prosthodontics states: “Prost-
the American Dental Association (ADA), which hodontists are specialists in the restoration and re-
is an independent organization recognized by the placement of missing teeth and oral/facial structures
United States Department of Education. with natural, esthetic, and functional replacements.
The ADA defines prosthodontics as: “the den- This includes surgical implant placement, the simple
tal specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment to most complex implant-supported restorations, lab-
planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral oratory and clinical training in esthetics/cosmetics,
function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, removable complete
with clinical conditions associated with missing or and partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint
deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues issues, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures,
using biocompatible substitutes.” congenital or birth anomalies and/or teeth, snoring
During the three years of training in all United and sleep disorders, as well as oral cancer, prosthetic
States postgraduate prosthodontics specialty pro- reconstruction, and continuing care. Prosthodontists
grams, students must become knowledgeable in the are experts in treatment planning.”
XIX
1. American Board of Prosthodontics. History, information, removable prosthodontic education. J Prosthet Dent
and examination requirements of the American Board of 1979;41:576–578.
Prosthodontics. J Prosthet Dent 1984;52:281–287. 20. Laney WR. History of the American Board of Prostho-
2. American College of Prosthodontists. Reframing the dontics. J Prosthet Dent 1972;28:655–656.
Future of Prosthodontics: An Invitational Leadership 21. Laney WR. American Board of Prosthodontics. J Pros-
Summit, 2006:11–12. thet Dent 1975;34:675–693.
3. American College of Prosthodontic. Mission Statement, 22. Laney WR. Limitation of clinical practice to prostho-
2018. dontics. J Prosthet Dent 1976;35:57–61.
4. American Dental Association. Report of the ADA-Rec- 23. Love WB. Prosthodontics – Past, present and future.
ognized Dental Specialty Certifying Boards, 2012;2. J Prosthet Dent 1976;36:261–264.
5. Atwood DA. Practice of prosthodontics: past, present, 24. Lytle RB. Criteria for evaluating candidates or the
and future. J Prosthet Dent 1969;21:393–401. American Board of Prosthodontics. J Prosthet Dent
6. Boucher CO. Trends in the practice and philosophy of 1969;21:417–422.
prosthodontics in the United States. J Prosthet Dent 25. Mann WR. What dentistry expect of the prosthodontist.
1966;16:873–879. J Prosthet Dent 1965;15:949–955.
7. Boucher LJ. The role of research in prosthodontics. 26. Morse PK, Boucher LJ. How 274 prosthodontists ranked
J Prosthet Dent 1965:15;962–966. four methods of advanced education in prosthodontics.
8. Boucher LJ, Wood GH. Workshop on advanced prostho- J Prosthet Dent 1969;21:431–432.
dontic education: a preliminary report. J Prosthet Dent 27. Morse PK, Boucher LJ. What a prosthodontist does.
1969;21:433–442. J Prosthet Dent 1969;21:409–416.
9. Boucher LJ. Advanced prosthodontic education. J Pros- 28. Nagle RJ. The role of the specialty of prosthodontics in
thet Dent 1976;35:29–30. service to the public and to the profession. J Prosthet
10. Carlsson GE, Omar R. Trends in prosthodontics. Med Dent 1965;15:956–961.
Princ Pract 2006;15:167–179. 29. Ortman HR. Meeting the challenges facing prosthodon-
11. Chalian VA, Dykema RW. Minimal clinical require- tics. J Prosthet Dent 1980;43:586–589.
ments for advanced education in prosthodontics. 30. Payne SH. Knowledge and skills necessary in the prac-
J Prosthet Dent 1976;35:39–42. tice of prosthodontics. J Prosthet Dent 1968;20:255–257.
12. Garfunkel E. The consumer speaks: how patients select 31. Payne SH. The future of prosthodontics. J Prosthet Dent
and how much they know about dental health care per- 1976;35:3–5.
sonnel. J Prosthet Dent 1980;43:380–384. 32. Taylor TD, Bergen SF, Conrad H, Goodacre CJ, Piermatti
13. Hardy IR. History of the specialty of prosthodontics. J. What is a Prosthodontist and the Dental Specialty of
J Prosthet Dent 1965;15:946–948. Prosthodontics? American College of Prosthodontics,
14. Johnson WW. The history of prosthetic dentistry. Position Statement, 2014.
J Prosthet Dent 1959;9;841–846. 33. The Academy of Denture Prosthetics. Principles, con-
15. Jones PM. Advanced education in prosthodontics – cur- cepts and practices in prosthodontics. J Prosthet Dent
riculum content. J Prosthet Dent 1976;31:31–33. 1968;19:180–198.
16. Kelsey CC. Survey of income of prosthodontists as 34. Travaglini EA. Prosthodontics and the single-concept
assessed by the American College of Prosthodontists. film. J Prosthet Dent 1973;30(4 Pt 2):640–641.
J Prosthet Dent 1975;34:120–124. 35. Wiens JP. Leadership, stewardship, and prosthodontic’s
17. Knutson JW. Research and the future of prosthodontics. future. Int J Prosthodont 2007;20:456–458.
J Prosthet Dent 1961;11:375–381. 36. Wiens JP, Koka S, Graser G, et al. Academy of Prost-
18. Koper A. Minimal clinical requirements for advanced hodontics centennial: The emergence and develop-
prosthodontics education. J Prosthet Dent 1976;35: ment of prosthodontics as a specialty. J Prosthet Dent
34–36. 2017;118:569–572.
19. Koper A. Advanced prosthodontic education: a ra- 37. Young JM. Prosthodontics in general practice residency.
tionale for a curriculum which integrates fixed and J Prosthet Dent 1974;31:615–627.
XX
“Those who do not learn from history are dental medicine, was more difficult because those
doomed to repeat it.” bright-minded individuals who became involved
George Santayana (1863–1952) had to face not only the extreme complexity and
difficulty of the subject matter of the human body
“The past should be read with the eyes of present and mind, but also the limitations imposed by the
time.” endless short-sighted and ignorant doctrines of the
Charles Darwin (1809–1882) time.11-13 The intelligent nature of humans means
that we need to trust in order to understand; trusting
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” in science means that in time science will explain
William Faulkner (1897–1962) everything, whereas trusting in a religious sense
(having faith) means believing that God will take
care of everything. Historically, the development of
medical treatment planning has been strongly in-
The distant past fluenced by this.14,15 Nevertheless, over the last two
The author believes it is important to understand centuries, science finally gained its autonomy from
history not so much as a chronicle of events but religion, and today the two areas of human endeavor
in terms of the value we attach to and derive from are separate, to the obvious advantage of medicine.
these events. In this way, we arrive at the signifi- An important aspect of the renaissance of med-
cance of the events. When we look back, we under- ical science was the contribution scientists made to
stand that for long millennia our civilization was laying the anatomical foundations for the under-
not able to conceive or understand much about sci- standing of the cause-and-effect relationship that
ence, as we know it today. Certainly, in the distant exists in the human body, and how the various parts
past, people had absolutely no idea what they were of the body function and malfunction in relation to
doing when treating physical disease and illness.1-4 each other. This had profound implications for the
But once in a while, a gifted individual with a ‘beau- development of clinical and surgical therapies. This
tiful mind’ sensed something new, and in this way cause-and-effect relationship can be seen as the
our knowledge was carried a step or two forward. initial basis for the current treatment planning ra-
Slowly there developed the understanding and ac- tionale. Nevertheless, despite all efforts, ignorance
knowledgment that the causes of illness and disease about medicine among the general public was rife
were not so much ‘divine’ as they were natural or because society was disconnected and disorganized,
human-made, and this understanding was the route and it was difficult and often impossible to teach
to healing them. Of course, the first medical treat- and impart new medical knowledge and trends. At
ments were simple natural herbal remedies, primi- that time, medical treatment planning was largely
tive bandages and cream prototypes, coupled with unknown, and to the extent that it did exist, it was
attempts of a philosophical or religious nature to very primitive and poorly understood. Therefore,
explain and justify all incomprehensible events by due to almost no true medical understanding, epi
relating them to the will of a moody God.5-7 demics, traumas, infections, and cancers indiscrim-
In more recent history, after the ‘static’ middle inately killed hundreds of millions of people. It
ages (from a medical point of view), an increasing took other two centuries before anatomy, physio
awareness of scientific evidence over the past five logy, and pathology became actual sciences, and the
centuries has allowed for a better understanding of word ‘treatment’ became a medical term.
the mechanics of our nature and of the ‘innate con- So, regardless of all the clever minds, poor trans-
sciousness’ and ‘self-awareness’ that distinguishes port and communication meant that people were
us as a species.8-10 However, compared with other isolated and led an insular way of life. Medicine it-
sciences, the development of medicine, including self was still largely based on old, inaccurate, and
often imaginary notions. Medical practitioners were the developed world, for example, the Baltimore
on the whole pompously dressed, incapable igno- College of Dental Surgery was founded in 1840,
ramuses, trying to describe nonexistent diseases the Philadelphia College of Dental Surgery in 1842,
with useless Latin words. Original paintings of this Tufts Dental School in 1852, Harvard Dental School
medical class show images of fantastic methods and in 1867, and the University of Michigan in 1875.
therapies full of enemas, leeches, ointments, and Passionate researchers and clinicians started to cre-
draught potions that were invented and concocted ate the basis of actual medical and dental medical
to ‘cure’ all ailments and diseases.4,16 scientific treatments.19 So, by the turn of the 20th
Only during the 17th and 18th centuries did century, official medical and dental medical sci-
physicists and chemists boost the curiosity of many ence was starting to be oriented toward what we
people, so that people started to believe that they know today as ‘assessed methodology.’ The study
could follow in the footsteps of these scientists in all of anatomy was acknowledged as the basis for un-
scientific matters, driven by their then brand-new derstanding medicine, and investigations into the
practice of scientific research methods and the pur- body’s functions and malfunctions started to drive
suit of evidence of reality theories. This indirectly more organized and critical laboratory research and
contributed to the speeding up of the understand- clinical practice.18,20 Scientists’ curiosity and eager-
ing of medical science and treatment planning. In- ness for clarification drove them to begin to look
deed, probably without realizing it, physicists and for ‘evidence’ as the starting point. The worst of the
chemists at that time were changing the way people religious influence on medicine was part of the past.
thought about medical science.
It can therefore be said that medical treatment
planning has its origins in scientists attempting
to prove that formulas could explain all scientific
20th century to the present
elements and, indeed, the world. Over time, it be- While the 20th century gifted us with geniuses such
came clear that signs and symptoms were useful as Albert Einstein (1879–1955), it also plagued us
and necessary to make a correct diagnosis of illness with two devastating world wars, which had a sig-
and disease. In fact, medical treatment planning is nificant influence on the development of treatment
entirely based on scientific methodology and evi- planning in the west. About 20 million lives were
dence. However, while physics, astronomy, math- lost in the First World War (1914–1918), and about
ematics, and biology were progressing at a rapid 68 million in the Second World War (1939–1945).
pace, scarce technologies and immature methods Apart from the death toll, war means all kinds of
limited people’s knowledge of the human body, no terrible injuries, physical and psychologic, created
matter how curious they were. Also, the slow pace by all types of weapons. It means traumas, wounds,
of life and very limited social contact meant that it burns, disfigurements, and epidemics.
was difficult to spread news, which created many The world wars profoundly changed the lives of
problems.4,16,17 our grandparents and parents, and forced medical
During the 19th century, medical scientists science to find surgical, clinical, and pharmacologi
looking for scientific evidence and using the new cal solutions to address the sudden, terrible, and ur-
scientific instruments of the time discovered more gent traumas they caused. The wide range of inju-
ways to heal and cure, which were perfected with ries and infections, many of them never seen before,
time and passion, although many essential notions meant that the understanding about how to plan
were lacking, and there was still no precise under- the treatment of patients accelerated, both during
standing of treatment planning.13,18 Universities emergencies on the battlefields and in the clinic.
and medical and dental medical schools began to In addition, the 1918 influenza epidemic (known
open and flourish in the USA and in other parts of as the Spanish Flu), largely brought on by the un-
hygienic conditions of the First World War, left easily do, and thanks largely to the internet, their
roughly 50 million dead worldwide. Therefore, the contributions to science are easily and quickly
total death toll in the almost 50-year period span- spread throughout the world. Just a century ago,
ning both world wars was about 125 million peo- only a few physicians knew what an antibiotic was,
ple, not to mention the millions more who were and thousands of people died of bacterial infections.
seriously injured in these wars and who died pre- Today, most people know about antibiotics and mil-
maturely later on. On top of this, other local wars lions of people take them, often autonomously and
and epidemics followed, bringing the death toll to without careful prescription (which has unfortu-
some 13% to 14% of the entire world population at nately also resulted in an alarming and increasing
that time.21,22-24 physiologic resistance to them).
Due to these events, and thanks to the increased This ties in with another important factor in the
number of dedicated medical scientists and facili- understanding of the development of treatment
ties, improved communication and media, and the planning, which is communication and the media,
growing body of scientific and medical knowledge particularly the internet and smart phones.17,35-37
that had been slowly accumulating over centuries, Since the two world wars (and therefore in less
medical science made a great leap forward in the than a century), information about medical sci-
first part of the 20th century. The level of aware- ence has rapidly increased, and has been shared
ness and consciousness regarding medical treat- among millions of medical and dental profession-
ment and its planning increased rapidly during als. This means that the panorama of clinical plan-
that time, bringing a deeper understanding of the ning and treatment is continually changing and
importance of knowledge about medical proce evolving.
dures and being well organized in the planning of
treatment (this includes dental medicine and pros-
thodontic treatment planning, even though the lat-
ter is not always that well defined).25-27
‘Hyper-science’ and the future
Population growth is another important factor When the famous physicist Niels Bohr (1885–1962)
in the development of treatment planning. Over was asked to make predictions about the future, he
the last three millennia, the human population has said humorously: “Predictions are very difficult, es-
increased from about 50 million to 7.5 billion peo- pecially about the future.” Every small scientific step
ple. Parallel to this is the increase in the number forward changes our understanding of how to plan
of scientists and thinkers who have dedicated their and treat medical conditions. However, despite how
lives to solving medical problems, which has esca- technology today allows for easy online access for
lated the number of possibilities for furthering med- most people to medical research, data, literature,
ical and dental medical science.28,29 Inventions and and information, human endeavor remains crucial
discoveries that make possible the forward move- and necessary.
ment of science and medicine are not made so much Currently, data acquisition and processing
by specific individuals as by the collective know- speeds seem to depend on a number of disruptive
ledge and awareness that accumulates over time.30- ‘innovation platforms’ that cut across sectors and
34 This is known as ‘collective intelligence,’ which markets and converge on each other on the medical
expands exponentially all the time, thereby increas- stage, such as:
ing the possibility of more and more discoveries that 1. 5G and 6G internet connections.
lead to better medical understanding. For instance, 2. Micro and macro energy storage for industry,
about a century ago there would have been few, if farming, transportation, cities, etc.
any, physicists who properly understood Einstein’s 3. Plasma and quantum computers; liquid, nano-
theories. Today, hundreds of thousands of students magnetic, and graphene transistors.
4. Artificial intelligence (AI), artificial narrow injectable chemotherapeutical nanorobots and na-
intelligence (ANI), artificial general intelli- nocarriers. They will be much faster and, in many
gence (AGI), deep-learning software (DLS), and ways, more capable than humans to do the job of
self-learning software (SLS). medical care providers.25,41,55-58 We will refer to
5. Collaborative robotics and humanoids. them with trust when we are ill or wounded.
6. Computer-aided design/computer-aided manu- Knowledge, consciousness, and indeed our entire
facturing (CAD/CAM) and 3D printing. way of living and working are being revolutionized.
7. DNA sequencing and CRISPR therapeutic One only has to attend medical and dental medical
genome editing. meetings, conferences, and expos all over the world
8. Nanotechnologies. to see where the market is now and where it is
heading, and how much money is involved. Human
‘Hyper-science’ (author’s own word) seems an ap- history has always demonstrated that whatever we
propriate composite word for these revolutionary are capable of imagining, we are capable of achiev-
technologies and the current rapid growth of sci- ing. Digital science has come a long way, being
entific knowledge. As never before, the progress of completely free today of any religious constraints
science is accelerating, and capabilities and possibil- that might prevent it from progressing.
ities are increasingly opening up. Which is why the Currently, there is much hyper-scientific intel-
medical progress indicators predict that medical and ligent curiosity and imagination at work.59 An ex-
dental schools will structurally change in the near citing example is the newest IBM Watson Machine
future under the pressure of digital innovations.38-44 Learning, which harnesses machine learning and
A clear example of the above is the new, cheaper deep learning in a way that enables the manage-
DNA sequencing and CRISPR genome editing that ment of an infinite amount of data. It gives flexible
is enabling scientists to develop new types of diag- answers, insights, and possible solutions in many
nostic screens, tests, and therapies. Computational different fields of human endeavor, and is already
techniques are changing our schools and educa- useful to medical professionals in various fields of
tional programs constantly, with the three-dimen- health care. For treatment planning, for instance, it
sional resources of virtual reality (VR) and aug- can be used for collecting and reading scientific lit-
mented reality (AR) changing the way students erature published in many languages. When asked
and faculty interact, including the interaction with about a specific disease or illness, it can promptly
robots.45-54 Nanotechnology is increasingly being give one or more answers, propose a fitting diag-
used to treat patients. Predictions made on solid sci- nosis, and suggest various treatment options ac-
entific bases foresee that, two or three decades from cording to clinical facts, scientific evidence, and sta-
now, well-programmed super-intelligent ANI, and tistics. It can also design program interventions.60
well-instructed human-dependent or independent However, despite all future AI digital capabilities
AGI machines as well as AGI humanoid robotized and skills, the logic of treatment planning, with its
digital doctors and caregivers will clinically treat basic and complex algorithms, will always consti-
patients suffering from an increasing variety of dis- tute the common scientific foundation of medical,
eases and will also feature in the laboratory. These dental medical, and prosthodontic treatment and its
machines will be able to handle programmable and planning.
2000–present
AI, ANI, AGI,
and beyond ...
b. 1800–2000
Skoda, von Hebra, von
Helmholtz, Pasteur, Osler,
Bourdet, Kemperer, Muller,
Frugoni, Müller, Valdoni
b. 1600–1700
Sydenham, Locke, Lancisi,
460–359 Hippocratic Corpus 1163 – Edict of Tours Boerhaave, Fauchard,
428–347 Plato 1225–1274 Saint Thomas Morgagni, Bounon
384–322 Aristotle Aquinas
b. 1700–1800
129–216 Galen of b. 1300–1600 Auenbrugger, Pinel, Pfaff,
Pergamon Chauliac, Da Vigo, Bichat, Corvisart, Laennec,
354–430 Saint Augustine Da Vinci, Paracelsus, Andral, Welsley
3600–1000 BC AD Paré, Vesalius, Harvey
ANCIENT AGE of GODS MIDDLE AGE of GOD MODERN AGE SCIENCE AGE DIGITAL AGE
Fig 1-1 The birth and growth of medical examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning in western civilization.
The first real scientific impulse occurred in 1500, with curiosity for the unknown and for medicine following
until the end of 1700, when scientific evidence changed the schools and universities and gave birth to empirical
knowledge and scientific research.
42. Connell DJ. Planning and its Orientation to the Future. skills needed for performing surgery of the ear, nose or
International Planning Studies 2009;14:85–98. throat. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(9):CD010198.
43. Goodacre CJ. Digital Learning Resources for Prost- 52. Radu I. Augmented reality in education; a meta-review
hodontic Education: The Perspectives of a Long-Term and cross-media analysis. Pers Ubiquit Comput 2014;18:
Dental Educator Regarding 4 Key Factors. J Prostho- 1533–1543.
dont 2018;27:791–797. 53. Walsh CM, Sherlock ME, Ling SC, Carnahan H. Virtual
44. Greene CC. How to educate millennials. J Calif Dent reality simulation training for health professions train-
Assoc 2018;46:359–362. ees in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Cochrane Database
45. Aerbersold M, Voepel-Lewis T, Cherara L, et al. Interac- Syst Rev 2012;6:CD008237.
tive Anatomy-Augmented Virtual Simulation Training. 54. Wright EF, Hendricson WD. Evaluation of a 3-D inter-
Clin Simul Nurs 2018;15:34–41. active tooth atlas by dental students in dental anatomy
46. Bacca J, Baldiris S, Fabregat R, Graf S, Kinshuk. Aug- and endodontics courses. J Dent Educ 2010;74:110–122.
mented reality trends in education: a systematic review of 55. Allmendinger P. Planning Theory. New York: Palgrave,
research and applications. Educ Tech Soc 2014;17:133–149. 2002.
47. Garg AX, Norman G, Sperotable L. How medical stu- 56. Bergdaà M. Temporal Frameworks and Individual Cul-
dents learn spatial anatomy. Lancat 2001;357:363–364. tural Activities: Four typical profiles. Time & Society,
48. Hu J, Yu H, Shao J, Li Z, Wang J, Wang Y. Effects of Sage, 2007;16:387–407.
Dental 3D Multimedia System on the performance of 57. EmTech Next. AI and robotics are changing the future
junior dental students in preclinical practice: a report of work. Are you ready? MIT Technology Review. On-
from China. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract 2009;14: line publication, 2018. https://events.technologyreview.
123–133. com/emtech/next/19/.
49. Huang TK, Yang CH, Hsieh YH, Wang JC, Hung CC. 58. Reiser SJ. Medicine and the Reign of Technology. Cam-
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applied bridge, New York: Cambridge University Press, 1978.
in dentistry. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2018;34:243–248. 59. Alexander ER. Approaches to Planning: Introducing
50. Kell HJ, Lubinsky D, Benbow CP, Steiger JH. Creativity Current Planning Theories, Concepts and Issues. Lux-
and technical innovation: spatial ability’s unique role. embourg: Gordon and Breach Science Publishers SA,
Psychol Sci 2013;24:1831–1836. 1992.
51. Piromchai P, Avery A, Laopaiboon M, Kennedy G, 60. IBM – Watson Machine Learning. https://www.ibm.
O’Leary S. Virtual reality training for improving the com/cloud/machine-learning. Accessed 29 June 2019.
Treatment planning
management
We often take our knowledge for granted, which of education, knowledge, understanding, expertise,
in the medical field is a dangerous thing. While experience, observational capabilities, reasoning,
good sense and innate wisdom drive the profession, dexterity, skills, ethical awareness, responsibility,
things are changing so quickly in our technological communication, and critical thinking are distilled
age that we need to constantly keep ourselves in into one focus. From this focal point, treatment
formed about new terms, concepts, rationales, pro plans are conceived and presented to the patient.
cedures, and ideas in order to offer our patients the At this moment, professional values such as clarity,
best treatments possible. The science is not static but precision, and accuracy are key.
must be constantly learned, understood, reviewed, What follows are some basic concepts, defini
and remembered. Only then are we in a position to tions, and suggestions related to this aspect of the
formulate the best treatment plan. topic. Some may feel that their professional experi
So, what is the goal of a prosthodontic treatment ence means they will not benefit from this level of
plan? In most cases, patients come to us because basic analysis. But for those who humbly approach
they have an esthetic and/or functional problem in this subject with an open mind, these basic concepts
their oral cavity. It is understandable that they are will hopefully be useful to tune in, so to speak, to the
not concerned about the physiology of the entire matter of prosthodontic thought in order to enhance
oral system and how all aspects of it are interrelated. their knowledge and understanding. It should also
What is not so understandable is how many dental be borne in mind that, unfortunately, the speciality
medical professionals think it is sufficient to treat of prosthodontics still does not exist institutionally
the teeth only, ignoring the overall context in which in many parts of the world outside of the USA.
the masticatory system works. Considering the part
as inseparable from the whole is the basis of the ho
listic approach to medical and dental practice.
Prosthodontists need to solve problems in the
Some definitions and basic
oral cavity, but that is not just a matter of teeth. premises
Indeed, they need to find the best possible way of The three cornerstone definitions are:
healing the oral cavity and its potential clinical ● Treatment: According to the Cambridge
problems, taking into account all the structural and Dictionary, the word ‘treatment’ is defined as
biomechanical issues. They then need to rehabili “the way in which somebody behaves towards
tate the patient’s oral health in its entirety, focusing or deals with somebody or something.” 1 In
on the dentition and its compromised or lost func the sense of medical treatment, it refers to the
tions, while also taking into account the patient’s care given to a patient in response to an illness
needs, wishes, and expectations. Prosthodontists or injury, and in the case of dental medical
are called upon to improve the function of the den treatment, in response to an issue or issues
tition as well as the patient’s comfort and quality concerning the oral cavity.
of life so that both physical and psychologic health ● Plan: A plan has been defined as “an indivi
are restored. dual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully
Prosthodontists should be equipped to manage planned to achieve a particular aim.” 2 Indeed, a
treatment planing with understanding, expertise, plan is what results after:
and professionalism. This entails a sound know ● all the appropriate data have been acquired;
ledge of patient management, organization, and ● the situation has been carefully studied;
what is available in terms of clinical therapies that ● all the details are understood;
can be suggested to the patient. ● appropriate conclusions have been drawn;
Therefore, after the diagnosis, treatment plan ● one or more solutions necessary to solve the
ning is the moment where all the various aspects problem/s have been formulated.
10
● Purpose: The purpose of treatment planning main desirable qualities and skills necessary for us
in prosthodontic and restorative dental medi to succeed in clinical practice:
cine has been analyzed by many authors.
1. Proper communication and
According to Rosenstiel et al,3 the purpose is to for
dialogue with the patient
mulate “a logical sequence of treatment designed to
repair existing damage and restore the patient’s den The ability to communicate clearly is a primary skill.
tition to good and maintainable health, with optimal Clear, open communication leads to trust, which is
function and appearance.” not a given but is something that is earned. Trust is
the key to successful patient management and treat
A treatment plan will only be successful and effec ment. However, it is not always possible to achieve
tive if it is: trust during the first appointment, unless we are
● Organized: This important concept may seem able to immediately tune into our patient’s state
obvious but often it is not, so it is emphasized of mind. Trust often results when we successfully
here again that any treatment plan must be transfer to the patient through optimal communi
well organized and clear, first in the prostho cation skills a positive sense of our ability and pro
dontist’s mind and then transferred as such to fessionalism from the outset. This entails the ability
the patient. Only then can the plan be properly to clearly explain each step of the procedure and
understood by the patient. to motivate patients to trust us, to recognize our
● Explicable: During treatment planning, we professionalism and capability, and to feel confident
have the chance to understand the prosthodon that we are able to solve their problems.
tic rehabilitative course in detail and foresee its
possible final results. We then need to organize
2. Motivating patients
our conversation with the patient. Indeed, the
treatment plan that is well understood and Often, patients must be motivated to be cured. Natu
then accepted by the patient is the tipping rally, a patient’s personality, character, previous ex
point after which the clinical treatment may periences, expectations, and other factors may influ
begin. ence this process (this important aspect is discussed
● Predictable: Predictability of the clinical results later in the book). Clinical experience shows that a
is the highest aim of treatment planning. In number of impediments to communication can be
deed, during the planning, prosthodontists need identified when approaching patients such as:
to consider all possible variables in order to reduce 1. Lack of trust or agreement.
the likelihood of surprises or pitfalls during the 2. Stress due to patients’ personal problems.
clinical treatment and after the delivery of the 3. Lack of communication and understanding.
prostheses. 4. Lack of constancy to care.
5. An exacting, fussy, and/or controlling patient.
6. Special physical issues or needs patients may
have.
Professionalism: four human 7. Demanding patients, and special psychologic
factors attention they may require.
There are a number of positive characteristics that
the prosthodontist (or any clinician) should ideally However, no matter what past experience or per
cultivate and develop in order to grow as a profes sonal problems patients may have that could result
sional. These characteristics are further described in in a negative attitude on their part, we need to know,
Chapter 7. What follows is a brief description of the understand, and remember to behave professionally
11
12
cratic Oath – should be the medical principle that minded and knowledgeable enough to treat our pa
guides our minds and hands. In this respect, the tients using a range of possible treatments and pros
ideal treatment plan is one that achieves the best thetic tools. Moreover, there is not one treatment plan
possible long-term prognosis with the minimum of for each patient, but possibly many. This depends on
necessary intervention, and which addresses all the variables such as evidence, clinical factors, pros
patient’s concerns and problems.5-7 thetic limitations, and patient preference. It also
Can this ideal treatment plan be achieved with depends on what is objectively possible and what
every patient? There are many answers to this ques we can imagine and plan within the context of the
tion, and this book explores them in some detail. A specific case.
guiding principle could be the KISS rule. KISS is an Also, despite the number of treatment options
acronym for ‘keep it simple, stupid’ or ‘keep it simple that we devise and customize for each patient, there
stupid,’ which was a design principle of the US Navy is usually one treatment plan that we particularly
in 1960. The KISS principle states that most systems prefer for that patient. And then it sometimes hap
work best if they are kept simple rather than made pens that for a number of reasons the patient prefers
complicated; therefore, simplicity should be a key a treatment other than the one we prefer.
goal in design, and unnecessary complexity should Indeed, to restore and rehabilitate a patient’s
be avoided. Basing a treatment plan on this princi mouth we usually have to agree to one or more
ple means that we seek out a simplified course of compromises that we hopefully have foreseen. We
action and solution to avoid the complications that then need to inform our patients of the final treat
may arise when things become more complex, both ment plan in such a way that they properly under
during the treatment and in the long term. How stand it, agree to it as the best treatment for them,
ever, it is not as simple as this. Due to today’s dig and willingly approve it.18-30
ital technological environment and more sophisti Therefore, we need to search for the best com
cated prosthetic rehabilitation options, simple may promise that will achieve the ideal outcome for that
not always be the best option. Perhaps KISS should particular patient, always taking into account the
therefore be amended to ‘keep it simple, sometimes.’ following four patient realities:
Therefore, while the rule of simplicity when con
ceiving a treatment plan is a sound notion, it is not 1. Chief complaint.
always entirely possible, nor is it always necessarily 2. Health status.
the best option. Again, flexibility is required in our 3. Motivation/will.
thinking. We also need to bear in mind that with in 4. Financial situation.
creasing complexity comes increasing compromise.8-19
Prosthodontic treatments are never easy and are
usually time consuming, both clinically and tech
nically. Therefore, considering the high expecta
Compromise tions of most patients, we would do well to heed
Perfection should be the ultimate goal in treatment Bolender’s advice: “Communication to avoid frus
planning, although it is seldom possible to achieve. tration!” 31,32 The right compromise can be reached
Despite our best intentions, we are usually forced to only if both parties, the clinician and the patient,
compromise. Experience tells us that even when the clearly communicate and agree. That is why it is
outcome is clear from the start, we need to propose so important for us to carefully pay attention and
more than one possible solution. listen closely to our patients. It is also crucial to
Furthermore, we should remember that there clearly and carefully explain to our patients what
is no ideal treatment plan that fits all cases. Each we can do for them (possibly in front of witnesses
patient is unique. We therefore need to be open- in cases where it is considered necessary) so that
13
they clearly understand the limitations in terms of This is a responsible course of action that would be
the clinical and technical realities. In this way, their acceptable to the majority of patients. To do this,
expectations will not exceed what is feasible and we need to politely ask our patients what their pro
possible in the circumstances and in terms of our fession, job or occupation entails. Indeed, this in
professional capabilities.13,16,20-25,29,33,34-36 formation should be recorded as part of the initial
examination. This is not the same as asking outright
about a patient’s income, which can be construed as
rude even if we ask in a kind and confidential man
Prosthodontic economics and ner. Moreover, what we know about the occupation
patient treatment costs of our patients will throw light on their level of ed
Prosthodontic treatments are usually expensive due ucation, which has a bearing on how well they are
to the: able to understand the theoretical and practical in
● costly and ongoing dental office expenses; formation we need to transfer. However, we should
● duration of the treatment; always carefully explain why some treatment plans
● cost of dental materials; are more technical, time consuming, and/or expen
● laboratory fees; sive than others. It is our duty to help our patients
● services of other collaborating specialists, if to understand, and it ought to be a pleasure for us
any; to take all the time necessary to do this in the best
● clinical and prosthodontic complications that possible way. At the same time, we need to treat this
sometimes occur despite our professional ex issue with sensitivity because some patients may be
perience and capability to foresee them; embarrassed if certain prosthodontic solutions are
● treatment follow-up; too expensive for them to afford.37-39
● any relevant taxes that need to be paid.
Costs in the face of disease
Affordability of the treatment plan
If an infectious disease exists in the oral cavity, we
The financial resources available for treatment will have the duty as dental medical professionals to assess
differ for each patient, who will only be able to af it and to find the best way to explain the gravity of
ford a certain type of treatment. This is potentially the situation to the patient, together with the related
a serious limiting factor in treatment planning and treatment costs. Disease is a priority that needs to
selection. We therefore need to know the financial be resolved before any prosthodontic solution can
situation of our patients before we begin planning be performed, especially if sensitivity, discomfort,
an appropriate course of treatment for them. In and/or pain exist.37-39
many cases, we need to propose multiple solutions
for the same restorative problem in order to provide
Transparency and politeness
as many available options as possible for successful
treatment and rehabilitation.37-39 It is crucial to plan the treatment costs as comprehen
sively as possible and to be honest about them with
the patient in the interests of a good clinician–pa
The patient’s occupation
tient relationship. This will avoid surprises later on. If
From the start, it is wise to gently investigate to we anticipate additional service costs, we need to let
what extent patients are able to cope with the costs the patient know about them from the outset. Treat
of the restorative care we may propose (including ment planning is not an easy task, and explaining a
the follow-up maintenance costs) so that we com demanding prosthodontic plan is not like selling a
pletely understand their unique financial situation. product; we need to be truthful and transparent as we
14
explain and advise about the solution/s that are in vised over the years. What is established with in
our patients’ best interests. At the heart of this aspect formed consent is that a clinician can only treat a
is having and showing respect for the patient.37-39 patient if and when the clinician is sure that the
In the same vein, we need to be kind and polite patient is fully aware of and understands the type
and treat our patients with empathy and gentleness of treatment being proposed to solve the problem.
in order for them to view us as concerned profes Apart from the more ethical aspects outlined above,
sionals with integrity, as opposed to being only in an informed consent is a necessary document for us to
terested in the money we will make from treating obtain to ensure control of our risk management and
them. We need to bear in mind that the decision to try to avoid legal problems that may arise later on
regarding which treatment to choose lies with both with some patients.
the patient and the clinician, and not with the clin The House classification (see Chapter 5) was a
ician alone. In some instances, patients are happy practical, organized attempt to define the personal
to allow us to make the decision, and may request ity of the edentulous patient. It may also be helpful
us to do so on their behalf. The rule of thumb is to for other patients (ie, those who are not edentulous),
be polite and respectful at all times, an attitude that and may indeed be useful to give us some idea of the
will reward us and our dental office with the trust complexity of patients and their idiosyncrasies. This
and respect of our patients. This has a bearing on allows us to be better equipped to avoid unpleasant
our business too, because every patient could po surprises later on during the treatment.
tentially refer family and friends to our office. Therefore, the treatment planning discussion or
initial diagnostic phase is the first ‘filter’ that as
sists us to get to know a new patient, and it is the
point from which all further decisions are taken.
Informed consent This sensitive phase is therefore very useful to our
The basic difference between the terms ‘consent’ and understanding of the personality and psychology of
‘informed consent’ is the degree of patient know a patient. It colors the type of treatment plan we de
ledge behind the consent decision. The amount of vise that is most likely to be accepted by the patient;
information required to make consent informed in some rare cases, we may even see no chance to
may vary depending on the complexity and risks of treat a particular patient at all.25,27,40,41
treatment as well as the patient’s wishes. In terms
of our professional responsibilities and liabilities,
We are not obliged to treat all
it is important to understand the exact meaning of
patients
these terms.
There will be instances where, already at the first
treatment plan discussion (initial diagnostic phase),
Consent
we realize that we are not in a position to treat a
Except in rare cases where we need to help patients given patient in a manner that is agreeable to us.
immediately such as in an urgent clinical emer In these cases, we may feel that, for a number of
gency or in the case of symptoms of severe pain, reasons, it is better not to start any treatment at all.
a patient’s consent to be treated is always required Some of these reasons may be immediately evident,
before the start of treatment. but unfortunately others may not. Obviously, it is al
ways our duty to try to help, but if the situation does
not feel right, or we are in serious doubt about whether
Informed consent
we should commit to treating a particular patient for
Informed consent refers to a doctrine that was es whatever reason, we need to heed that warning voice.
tablished in the 1950s and has been continually re If we conclude that we will not be able to help a
15
therefore much better to spend more time initially forms and formats to be found on the internet.
with new patients, speaking clearly to them and However, as every patient is an individual whose
carefully analyzing them and their situation. data will differ from the next patient, you will find
Prosthodontics is often a matter of invasive and in later chapters many suggestions about what to
extremely complex treatments that go on for a long remember to include in the informed consent doc
time, treatments that may dramatically change the ument. Please bear in mind that these suggestions
esthetics and functionality of a patient’s mouth, are made from the vantage point of many years of
teeth, and face. Therefore, we need to be sure that experience.
we will be able to work with the patient’s full com Another thing to bear in mind is that dentistry
pliance and understanding about the often difficult and prosthodontics do not deal with an immediate
challenges that may lie ahead in the course of the threat to life. Therefore, patients can take all the time
treatment.15 The longer the treatment, the greater they need to listen to our proposals for solutions to
the need for clinician–patient understanding and their problems. They can then ask all the necessary
trust. If during the first visit or during the treat questions in order to understand exactly what we
ment plan discussion we cannot communicate are suggesting. They will then hopefully agree to a
properly, or if patients are unable or unwilling treatment plan and sign the informed consent form
to communicate properly with us, this may indi that we submit to them.17,30,34,51-55,57
cate the possibility that we will end up working
under great stress or tension, with the possibility
Essential aspects of the informed
of misunderstandings. This, in turn, could result
consent document
in the failure of the treatment, with further deep
frustration as well as possible legal problems and All informed consent documents pertaining to a
consequences.16 specific treatment plan should contain at least the
following elements:
1. The patient is fully informed about all
In case of emergency
the characteristics of the entire treat
If an emergency occurs and our diagnosis is clear ment.24,29,30,42,45,47,58-61
and precise, we have a duty to explain to the patient 2. The patient has a full understanding of the
what the emergency is, how and why it should be ad treatment plan in terms of its diagnosis, prog
dressed, and what the costs of the procedure will be. nosis, anticipated benefits, therapy, timing,
In that case, always ask for written permission to certainties, risks, consequences, and the need
treat the patient and request the patient’s full com for future controls.17,30,34,51-53,56,57,59-61
pliance and signed agreement before you proceed 3. The patient has been informed of alternative
with the treatment. This applies even in a situation treatment courses and associated risks.42,62
where we know the patient well. It is important to 4. The patient is fully aware of the risks associ
understand that even in the case of an emergency we ated with refusing the recommended proce
require a patient’s full compliance via an informed dures.17,30,34,51-56,59-61
consent document, if possible signed by themselves 5. The patient is fully aware of any possible tem
or, if not possible, by another responsible adult such porary incapacitation that may occur during
as a parent or guardian. the course of treatment.17,30,34,51-56,59
16
6. The patient is fully aware of what information Therefore, it is strongly advised that an informed con
the patient is rewriting in front of witnesses sent for any prosthodontic treatment plan should be
(see later), freely accepts the treatment plan, rewritten in the patient’s handwriting. In other words,
and fully intends to be treated by the clinician the document should be copied out in full by the
in full respect of the professional rules of the patient. The reason for this is that it has transpired
dental office.17,30,34,51-56,59-61 on a few occasions that simply signing an informed
7. The patient has read and discussed the consent without rewriting it is not sufficiently se
informed consent document sufficiently to cure. Instead, asking patients to rewrite it in their
know and understand its entire contents and own handwriting is a better guarantee for the dental
is fully aware of what it contains. If this is office (or a court of law) that they have understood
the case, the contents of the informed con it, are completely conscious of the treatment details,
sent document should ideally be rewritten and are willing to be treated without further doubt.
clearly in the patient’s own handwriting Finally, the patient should sign the informed con
(see later).2,18,28 sent document in front of one or more witnesses, who
8. If the patient is unable to fulfill the above point will countersign it afterwards. After the document
(7) for any reason, another person should be has been signed by all the relevant parties, one copy
appointed in the patient’s stead to do so in must be given to the patient. The original document
front of witnesses; this person should be able must remain in the safekeeping of the dental office
to take responsibility for the patient’s situation where it is stored as a confirmation and a warranty
and health.3,7,11,29,39,49,50,58 for both the clinician and the patient.
9. Finally, the informed consent form should be
signed, together with the signatures of one
Digital technology and informed
or more witnesses such as a relative of the
consent documents
patient, an office secretary or a chair assis
tant.2,6,30,39,41,52,56 Although the advent of computerized technologies
and the digitization of dental office documents has
If all these aspects of the informed consent docu optimized the storage and management of patient
ment have been honored, the intellectual honesty, documents and data, in the case of the treatment
professional integrity and empathetic intentions of plan and informed consent it is still strongly advis
the clinician will be immediately clear to anyone able to retain hard copies of all original documents.
who may consult the document later in the event This eliminates any possible questions that may
that they may want to prove negligence in some arise later concerning possible alteration of these
way.2,6,14,15,19,30,36,39,41,52,55,56 documents (ie, if they exist only as computer files),
and eliminates any possible legal doubts about the
It is important to note that any procedure honesty of the professionals and the dental office
performed in the absence of informed con- staff, which may create problems in a court of
sent is liable to prosecution in a court of law law.2,6,14,15,19,30,39,41,52,55,56 Therefore, when it comes
and could be construed as intentionally in- to signed treatment plans and informed consent
flicting physical harm on a patient. documents, it is still better to have the original hard
copies on file in our dental offices.52,56
17
18
37. Barber JA, Thompson SG. Analysis and interpretation orthodontists in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
of cost data in randomised controlled trials: review of Br Dent J 2008;205:665–673.
published studies. BMJ 1998;317:1195–1200. 52. Hein IM, De Vries MC, Troost PW, Meynen G, Van Gou
38. Graves N, Walker D, Raine R, Hutchings A, Roberts JA. doever JB, Lindauer RJ. Informed consent instead of as
Cost data for individual patients included in clinical sent is appropriate in children from the age of twelve:
studies: no amount of statistical analysis can com Policy implications of new findings on children’s com
pensate for inadequate costing methods. Health Econ petence to consent to clinical research. BMC Med Eth
2002;11:735–739. ics 2015;16:1:76.
39. Schweitzer JM. A conservative approach to oral rehabil 53. Holden AC, Holden NL. How many of our patients can
itation. J Prosthet Dent 1961;11:119–123. really give consent? A perspective on the relevance
40. Burris S. Law and ethics and the decision to treat. In: of the Mental Capacity Act to dentistry. Dent Update
Glick M (ed). Dental Management of Patient with HIV. 2014;41:46–48.
Chicago: Quintessence, 1994;25–50. 54. Medical Legal Handbook for Physicians in Canada. Ver
41. Adeyemi AT, Kosoko JO, Ifesanya JU. Dentists’ knowledge sion 8.2. Ottawa: Canadian Medical Protective Associ
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19
21
22
Table 3-1 Outline of the most important prosthodon- Nowadays, other new fixed prosthodontic meth-
tic tools currently in use today ods, born as a result of and crafted with the help
of new digital technologies, are revolutionizing the
Fixed restorations
clinic and laboratory. And this is just the beginning,
1. Inlays, onlays
as much more is expected with the current speed of
2. Veneers
exponential progress and growth in this field.26
3. Crown, bridges, post and cores
4. Full-arch fixed complete prostheses Today, in the case of edentulism where there is
one or more missing teeth, implants are usually con-
Removable partial dentures sidered as the first option during treatment planning
1. Tooth-borne prostheses for fixed restorations, unless physical, biological,
2. Tooth- to mucosa-borne prostheses biomechanical, psychologic or economic limitations
and/or contraindications are present.27-33 Where
Complete dentures implants are not indicated due to their negative bio-
1. Immediate prostheses logical, functional, and esthetic possibilities or the
2. Final prostheses chance of predictable short- or long-term complica-
tions,34 tooth-borne FPDs and FCDs are considered
Overdentures the secondary restorative tool, with pontic elements
1. On some remaining portion of roots replacing the edentulous areas.
2. On well-positioned implant
23
has been a relative decline in complete edentulism functional landmarks, and all occlusal parameters ne-
over the past 30 years due to a corresponding de- cessary to properly guide the oral rehabilitation with
cline in caries, the need for complete dentures to excellent approximation can be retrieved both in the
treat edentulism is still high due to the increase in mouth and on the working casts. This also depends
the aging population.28,50 Furthermore, edentulism on the knowledge and clinical skills of the clinician
still depends on infectious disease conditions and and the laboratory technician to replace the lost den-
related health problems that involve both the young tition with final fixed implant-supported prostheses.
and the elderly worldwide, even today.51
Although there is a large body of scientific lit-
erature about them, clinical experience shows that
in many instances CDs still remain very difficult to
Removable overdentures
create and craft properly. However, if the literature Indeed, the advent of implants helped to improve
is carefully studied and scientific engineering rules this unstable situation. However, if structurally valid
are strictly followed, the construction of CDs can roots still remain in strategic positions in the mandi-
result in a successful restoration. Experience shows ble (ie, canines or first premolars), they can be recon-
that the obvious weakness in these prostheses is structed and utilized to support, retain, and stabilize
their mobility.52,53 In this respect, they must neces- any complete denture prosthesis. This possibility is
sarily rely on the remaining available maxillary and cheaper than the use of implants, and biomechan-
mandibular primary and secondary bearing areas ical improvement can be better achieved by means
and on the characteristics of the hard and soft tis- of fixed attachments, as they may limit the number
sue comprising these areas. Their success also relies of biomechanical degrees of freedom to the mobility
on a number of other biological, physical, chem- of the overlying CDs both at rest and during func-
ical, and subjective factors that have been widely tion. Certainly, the choice to save and use the roots
described in the literature. Regardless of whether is limited by a number of structural and biomechan-
they are created in an analog or digital manner, ical parameters that must be carefully evaluated dur-
the nature of CDs makes these prostheses biome- ing the first visit and during treatment planning.71-82
chanically lacking in terms of stability, retention, Mandibular implant overdentures can be obtained
and support compared with other fixed prostheses. with two implants positioned in strategic positions. In
Nevertheless, many patients lack the economic re- these cases, the further use of bars or attachments as a
sources for fixed implant treatments, and many in means of anchoring may greatly enhance the stability,
fact do live with CDs satisfactorily and sometimes retention, and support of these types of prostheses.83-94
more than satisfactorily, which compensates for This combination has been defined as optimal and as
their biologic limitations.52-70 the standard of care for mandibular CDs.95-97
In cases where up-to-date, three-dimensional (3D) In the maxilla, usually the greater extension
digital technologies can be used to virtually plan the and the quality of the bearing surface guarantee
rehabilitation of edentulous cases with immediate better support, stability, and retention. However,
implant-supported fixed prostheses, CDs can be used in the following instances implants might also be
as excellent interim prostheses, as useful verification proposed to create maxillary implant overdentures:
jigs, and as surgical guides to position implants prop- when the amount of alveolar ridge bone is poor;
erly to recreate final full-arch implant restorations. when the palate is particularly flat and induces in-
In fact, when all anatomical dental reference stability; when the posterior palatal seal cannot be
points are lost, CDs are a precious source of anatom- properly achieved and is not enough to aid the re-
ical information and can be used to recover most of tention; and when the patient is suffering from xe-
these points in any edentulous mouth. In these cases, rostomia, which induces instability, inflammation,
lip and cheek support, dental esthetics, phonetic and and poor retention of the denture base.30
24
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