Background: Conversion of a hopeless dentition to a full-arch reconstruction can be a difficult period for patients if they have to wear a denture. A serial extraction protocol can help to avoid this dilemma.
Results: Protocols for serial extraction of teeth are presented. This methodology avoids having patients wear a denture while converting from a hopeless dentition to a full-arch reconstruction supported by dental implants. Treatment planning with regard to placing all implants in one round of implantation vs two or more rounds of implantation is reviewed. In addition, strategies to simplify treatment regimens are discussed.
Clinical implications: The presented protocols facilitate transitioning patients from a destroyed dentition to a full-arch reconstruction. These protocols also can be used for a segment of an arch.