Letter From the Editor

The fourth issue of Inclusive magazine is dedicated to treating the edentulous patient. While the rate of edentulism in the U.S. decreases, the population continues to age, so the total number of adults who are missing all their teeth is actually growing. As you will read in Dr. David Schwab's article, the demographics of this group represent a huge potential future need for comprehensive dental care.

Our featured reprint is a truly classic article by one of the pioneers of removable prosthodontics, Dr. Earl Pound. His article on utilizing "s" sounds to determine proper positioning of the anterior teeth is as pertinent today as when it was originally written in 1978. Whether you are fabricating a new conventional denture, an overdenture or a screw-retained denture, the set-up is the same.

Putting Dr. Pound's principles into practice, Dr. Anthony LaVacca discusses obtaining the proper vertical dimension of occlusion. Visit inclusivemagazine.com to see his presentation and watch as he dials in the VDO with the provisional restoration.

Also included in this issue are two feature articles related to treating edentulous patients. In a case report, Dr. Tim Kosinski illustrates how a two-dimensional image, such as a panorex, can be deceiving and how a 3-D CBCT provides a superior diagnostic and treatment-planning tool. He then transfers the digital treatment plan to the clinical setting through the use of a Universal SurgiGuide®. The other feature is the first article in a series by Dr. Burton Melton and his son,
Dr. Jeffrey Melton, in which they discuss the critical role the patient interview plays in properly setting up a case and determining the appropriate layers of care.

If an overdenture is your treatment option of choice, there are a number of attachments available. The Locator® attachment is one of the most popular thanks to its low profile, ease of use and retention options. Paul Zuest, president of Zest Anchors, reviews the five most common questions related to this attachment.

Rehabilitating fully edentulous cases with implant-retained or implant-supported restorations can truly be a life-changing event for patients, as well as one of the most rewarding experiences for the clinician. After reading the various articles contained in this issue, be sure to check out the online version of Inclusive magazine for expanded lectures on demand as well as clinical and procedural videos.

Regards,

Bradley C. Bockhorst, DMD
Editor-in-Chief, Clinical Editor
inclusivemagazine@glidewelldental.com