Implant supported overdentures are an evidence-based treatment option for edentulous patients leading to a significantly increased quality of life.
There are various retention elements available which connect the implants directly...
The tradition to insert 6 implants, and eventually more, in an arch-wide pattern dates back to the early days of osseointegration when implants with a machined surface were used and risk for early...
The scientific literature shows that short implants with a length of ≥ 6 mm are able to support prosthetics in the edentulous mandible. After tooth removal the mandible displays different degrees of atrophy (Fig 1&2). Regarding hard tissue management...
3-D imaging seems the best option unless clinical examination reveals an ample bone volume. The bone quality can be derived from density measurements if CT scan images are available or approximately from the trabecular pattern of 2-D images. Pano....
In the edentulous upper jaw implant insertion can be limited due to the adjacent anatomical structures (nasal floor, maxillary sinus). Less than 5-6 mm in height and 6 mm in width requires augmentation before implant placement....
A choice of occlusal schemes can be employed for the prosthodontic rehabilitation of the edentulous patient. Clinical outcomes with different schemes continue to be debated and no one scheme has emerged as clearly superior. However, although the...
In the rush to meet patient demands for functional rehabilitation, the importance of occlusion is often overlooked. A check of the occlusion should be performed at every visit from insertion onwards because many problems with fixed dental prostheses can...
The relative merits of different prosthodontic treatment objectives - resilient versus rigid attachments - are controversial and empirical. A resilient retention mechanism is recommended on the assumption that this will protect implants from overload; while in...
The patient with a terminal dentition and who faces total teeth extractions can choose from a number of treatment options from immediate complete denture to one of the implant supported protocols.
Immediate dentures are chosen by patients who are unwilling...
Research and clinical experience show that conventional complete dentures are acceptable for a large segment of the edentulous population. Satisfied complete denture wearers are well adapted to their prosthodontic experience and have...
A universally accepted definition of ideal occlusion has been elusive. This is because an ideal occlusion can only be defined in broad terms of a physiological range of form and function. Functional aspects of occlusion, rather than specific anatomical...
Parafunctional activities can apply high forces to both implant and prosthetic components. These forces can lead to fracture or loosening of screws and abutments, chipping of the veneering material or fracture of the prosthetic reconstruction...
