Protocols in classification of partially edentulous patients

Abstract

This paper shall discuss the importance of protocol application in modern dentistry. Literature data that include recommendations and consensuses in dental practice point out to their presence in available literature, printed papers, reviewed journals and supplements in the form of expert group conclusions. It should be noted that the protocols most commonly rely on valid postulates of different branches of medicine, supported by specific conditions of the environment in which they are implemented. Additionally, in our settings, applicable dentistry protocols are the result of requirements that institutions and practices should fulfil according to renewable accreditation, as well as following recommendations given in the good clinical practice guidelines with different binding obligations levels. Certain protocols offer therapeutic modalities categorized into classes intended to help users to select appropriate treatments. The second part of this paper shall address one such protocol which classifies partially edentulous patients. The emphasis is on the partial edentulism classification recommended by The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), which relies on four diagnostic criteria essential for therapeutic decision. Edentulous areas location and extent, abutment teeth health, occlusion model, and residual ridge characteristics represent the parameters which have defined the four classes of partial edentulism of different complexity. In this way, comprehensive approach to the clinical status of the patients has, for the first time been offered to the dental practitioners assuring, among others, higher uniformity of professional attitudes in selection of therapeutic modalities.