CASE ANALYSIS – Dental prosthesis on implants

A 60-year-old patient came for the initial free examination at Dental Center 4Smile with upper jaw pain. Following a clinical examination by Dr. Ivan Antolković, along with a panoramic dental X-ray, it was determined that the patient had severely decayed teeth beneath the prosthesis in the upper jaw, some with inflammatory processes at the tooth roots.

Due to inflammation and extensive cavities, part of the prosthesis had partially detached. Dr. Antolković had no choice but to suggest extracting the remaining upper jaw teeth. They opted for a semi-fixed prosthesis on 4 implants – commonly known as a bar on dental implants or a reduced dental prosthesis on implants.

Panoramic X-ray of the initial condition

The semi-fixed solution was chosen due to insufficient bone in the lateral part of the upper jaw, preventing dental implant placement without a sinus lift procedure. Fortunately, the patient had healthy bone in the front part of the upper jaw, allowing for the installation of 4 dental implants – a semi-fixed solution.

To begin the therapy, the patient was anesthetized, all upper jaw teeth were extracted, and inflammatory processes were healed. The bone was thoroughly cleaned to prevent new inflammatory processes. A temporary prosthesis was crafted to ensure uninterrupted functionality during therapy.

Once the gums and bone had healed, 4 optimal positions for dental implants were determined based on a 3D scan, and a date for implantation was scheduled.

Panoramic X-ray after dental implant placement

Throughout the whole therapy, we ensured the patient could smile confidently, providing a temporary acrylic prosthesis.

Temporary acrylic prosthesis

After several trials of the bar and the final solution, the patient received a completely new smile in the upper jaw within 6 months of therapy.

Placing gingival formers on implants and testing the bar

Completed bridge on a model

Bar – Final solution

ADVANTAGES OF SEMI-FIXED PROSTHETICS

Creating a semi-fixed prosthetic solution preserves jawbone, offering excellent stability and enhancing a sense of security unmatched by any removable solution. Unlike removable dentures, a semi-fixed prosthesis with a bar has a reduced palate, making it comfortable for patients like a fixed bridge.

A semi-fixed prosthesis on implants provides long-term benefits, allowing easy maintenance of oral hygiene, high functionality, and aesthetics.
It differs from a fixed bridge due to the possibility of removal and a more affordable price.
Here are a few more examples of implant-supported prostheses:

Dental prosthesis on implants – upper jaw

Dental prosthesis on implants – both jaws