Abstract This paper is concerned with providing clinical solutions to many of the problems involved with restoring the mutilated dentition. Planning the restorations involves considering all the patient's needs and must take into account physical fitness and the alertness of the individual concerned. The design of transitional prostheses is important in an era when leaving a person with unslightly gaps is no longer socially acceptable. Factors influencing selection of abutments are considered together with those involved in choosing a suitable restoration. The interface between abutment roots and the denture is a critical region yet the contours of restorations in this area are all too frequently left to chance. The patient's co-operation must be reassessed as treatment progresses and some flexibility provided in the treatment plan. While the clinician needs to understand the biological aspects of the environment in which he works he must still be able to carry out the therapy. To achieve this he must be familiar with the technical background and possess clinical expertise. The problems of restoring a mutilated dentition challenge the skills of even the most experienced prosthodontist