A new study published in the Journal of Oral Implantology reports that increasing numbers of edentulism patients undergo successful implant-supported fixed restorations because of the use of technology that helps identify their best placement and position. Of the different types of dentures available, the most popular is fixed restorations; most patients want to avoid having removable pros-theses and wish to experience the improved speech, aesthetics, and comfort associated with permanent dentures. A man requesting treatment of his maxillary and mandibular edentulism was examined and found to be a candidate for receiving implant-supported fixed partial dentures—the option he selected best addressed his chief complaints. Dental planning software was used to determine the best placement of the implants, and computed tomography was used to identify the best position of the dentures. Computed tomography is highly recommended because of its ability to estimate the available bone, which is necessary in order to determine the implants’ best position, angulation, and length. The dental planning software then used the scans obtained to fine-tune the treatment plan. Problems that may have arisen during the procedure were minimized because the authors intently listened to the patient’s concerns and performed detailed presurgical planning through the application of dental planning software and computed tomography. Both the patient and the authors were satisfied with the procedure and outcome. For the entire study, visit allenpress.com-/pdf/orim-34-03-161-168.-pdf.
(Source: News release, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics, June 2008)
