Dentaltown August 2014 - (Page 54)

implant feature by Ara Nazarian, DDS, DICOI Dental implants have been successfully used to restore edentulous mandibles with implant-supported ﬁ xed bridges, hybrid prosthetic dentures and removable overdenture prosthetics. However, many completely edentulous patients desire a ﬁ xed restoration rather than a removable prosthesis. A ﬁ xed restoration provides the psychological advantage of acting and feeling similar to natural teeth, whereas an overdenture, even if fully implant supported, remains a removable prosthesis.1 This article focuses on the techniques implemented when restoring a patient with a ﬁ xed lower bridge supported by implants. A female patient presented to the ofﬁce with an existing set of dentures that were about 2 3 years old. Her chief complaint was that her mandibular denture was very loose and painful, even though it had been relined multiple times over several years. The patient was evaluated preoperatively with respect to jaw size, bone quality and volume, jaw relations, maxilla-mandibular distance and occlusion. Preoperative analysis of the anatomic conditions was performed with a CT scan (i-CAT). U pon clinical examination and radiographic interpretation, the anterior mandibular ridge had severe undercuts (Fig. 1 ) as well as posterior bone loss that would prevent dental implant placement without extensive block grafting. She had already consulted with other dentists and specialists about dental implant options prior to presenting to my ofﬁce, but was not satisﬁed with the treatment duration and prognosis regarding block grafting. Although block grafts (and other non-block grafts) represent the accepted treatment standard for fortifying or augmenting bone tissue, there is another method for creating a foundation of adequate width and 1. Contemporary Implant Dentistry, Third Edition. Carl E. Misch. Mosby. Pages 327-364. 2008. continued on page 56 54 AUGUST 2014 » dentaltown.com http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown August 2014

Dentaltown.com Highlights
Howard Speaks: And the Band Played On... Again
Professional Courtesy: You’re Doing it Wrong
Continuing Education Update
Overtreatment
All on 7, but Only 6 Used for Provisional
Needle Stick Protocol
Shade Matching Single Units
The D-Word
Continuing Education: I Like Big Abutments (and I Cannot Lie)
Guided Bone Leveling for Optimum Implant Results
Application of Extra-oral Infraorbital Nerve Block in Implant for Upper Anterior Region
Product Profile: MIS Implants
Drs. Dennis and Marie Stiles
Design Solutions for Restorative Artistry
Imaging in Missing Laterals Case
Maximizing Effi ciency and Flexibility with an Open-architecture Scanner
You Should Know: Mouth Monsters
You Should Know: GumChucks
Continuing Education: Emergency Medications Every Dentist Should Know
Ad Index
New Products
Industry News
Perio Reports
Perio Program Series Step 4: Implement the Plan
Dentally Incorrect

Dentaltown August 2014