Dental Implants: Full Arch Implant Supported Fixed Partial Denture

I have a patient who wants a mandibular full arch implant supported fixed partial denture. I will be replacing a mandibular overdenture.

The mandible has suffered atrophy with considerable loss of vertical dimension. I can use a fixed-detachable prosthesis (hybrid) but I am concerned that the patient will be dissatisfied because of the space between the metal framework and the gingiva. Has anybody encountered this problem? Any comments?

4 Comments on Dental Implants: Full Arch Implant Supported Fixed Partial Denture

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wade
11/8/2005
why not provide the patient with a procera implant bridge using acrylic teeth? The space between the tissue and the underside is minimal and i have never had a patient complain about it yet. Your lab fees are minimal because you are not using porcelain and acrylic teeth are very forgiving. I have completed quite a few of these recently and have had really good success. Just a thought????
Mark Adams, DDS, MS
11/9/2005
An excellent option with a hybrid prosthesis is the 'Profile Prosthesis' - a fixed-detachable prosthesis for either the maxilla or mandible that is NOT a 'high water' prosthesis - rather, the tissue surface is ovate pontic shaped and is intimate in contact wit the tissue. A reprint of the original article describing the prosthesis is available on my website or email me.
Anon
11/17/2005
Dr. Adams, I cannot find your article on the Profile Prosthesis on your website. Could you please post a direct link for us. Thanks
Ruth Taylor
1/12/2008
I am 55 years old and have had full top and bottom dentures for at least 30 year. I now have enough money to be able to get implants and I am doing my bottom first. My denturist has implanted 2 posts in my jaw bone which will be the anchor for the new denture. His idea was a bar between the two posts that would hold the denture in place. I went to the (i dont know his title) but he's the guy who will be making the denture and he is in favor of 2 posts that would work like a snap. Now my denturist and the guy making the denture are at odds and I am put in the middle as to what kind I would like. Both sound good to me but how do I make the decision. I am paying both of these guys good money so I can have the best dentures. I'm afraid chose one over the other, I wont get the best from the other one. Can you advise which would be better for me? the bar type of the snap type.

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