Implant-Supported Prostheses: Comprehensive Explanation?
S. asks:
I am a dental student about to graduate this year. We learned a little bit about dental implants but I’m interested in getting more information from the experts. If possible, I’d like to get a comprehensive explanation concerning the difference between implant supported fixed partial dentures, fixed-detachable dentures [hybrid] and overdentures? What prosthesis is indicated for which situations? thanks.
6 Comments on Implant-Supported Prostheses: Comprehensive Explanation?
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satish joshi
1/28/2008
Just visit your library in college and refer Carl Misch's book on implant dentistry.You will get all the answers.
Dr. Powers
1/30/2008
Here it is in a nut shell. An Implant supported fixed partial denture is just that. It is a bridge (just like you do in dental school) except that implants hold it up instead of teeth.
A fixed-detachable denture or hybrid is called that because as far as the patient is concerned, it is fixed but can also be detached by the dentist by unscrewing the prosthesis from the implants. Its construction is just like removable partial dentures that you make in dental school. It has a cast metal framework, acrylic base and denture teeth. This is a nice way to go if: The patient needs both hard and soft tissue replacement, wants a fixed prosthesis that they do not have to wory about taking in and out, and has enough implants to support a fixed restoration. For me that is at least four well spaced implants on the lower and six for the upper).
An implant overdenture is a removable denture that goes over the top of implants. It is still tissue supported (just like a regular denture)but gets retention help from the implants by using abutments such as ERA's, Locators, O-rings, etc... This is a nice way to go if the patient is OK with having a removable prosthesis. It requires fewer implants and is less expensive.
Hope this helps
Pros Boss
2/1/2008
Great question, but the scope of your question I feel is to broad to answer on this forum. You will get more satisfaction in doing a literature search (Pubmed) and gain much more knowledge.
Dr. Alex Zavyalov
2/4/2008
I am certain that such posts should be removed,because questions like these are too general to answer.
John Lynch
3/14/2008
Thank you Dr. Powers for a general answer and description of the three types. This was certainly better than no answer at all and will lead to additional research as necessary. Your answer was all I needed at this time.
Mimi
2/20/2009
I have lost two front—top— teeth; I have had a fixed implant with crews. Now it is time to get prosthesis (teeth) to seat on the implant. I’ve heard there are many different types; some are good some are not. Can you please advise me?
Thanks,
Mimi
