Single tooth loss or total edentulism can be effectively solved with dental implants and dentures placed over them. Correct placement of implants is essential in the treatment of tooth loss. Incorrectly positioned implants prevent a healthy function and aesthetic results.
Planning and Placement Process
Before implant placement, a detailed planning should be made with three-dimensional X-ray analysis if necessary. Proper positioning in the prosthetic system ensures the correct placement of the implants. This planning process becomes even more critical in edentulous patients. These stages require precise and meticulous work from the initial planning to the delivery of the prosthesis.
Advantages of Implant Prostheses
The success of implants and prostheses depends on correct diagnosis and planning. Well-applied implants and prostheses significantly improve quality of life.
- Implants and dentures prevent bone loss by providing force transmission to bone tissue. In single tooth implants, no treatment is performed on neighboring teeth, which simplifies the treatment process.
- Fixed and custom removable dentures offer individualized treatment options. Aesthetic and functional problems due to tooth loss are eliminated.
- Implants allow the shape and size of the teeth to be arranged as desired and solve aesthetic problems.
- Dentures made under appropriate conditions and with the correct static can be used for years. However, oral care and regular dental check-ups prolong the life of dentures.
Types of Implant Prosthesis
Prostheses that can be applied over implants are generally divided into two categories: Fixed and Semi-Mobile.
- Fixed Prostheses:
- Definition: Fixed prostheses are prostheses that cannot be removed by patients and do not move. They are fixed to the implant body by cementation or screw systems.
- Features: It can be in the form of individual veneers or hybrid prostheses covering the entire tooth. In aesthetic areas, materials such as zirconium veneers are used to preserve the natural tooth appearance.
- Application: In completely edentulous patients, 8 implants are placed in the upper jaw and 6 implants in the lower jaw under ideal conditions. In short arch treatments, a total of 12 implants are sufficient.
- Semi-Mobile Prostheses:
- Definition: Used in cases of complete edentulism, when there are factors that prevent the application of fixed prosthesis. It is usually more cost-effective and requires fewer surgical procedures.
- Features: Loss in the region of the posterior molars is tolerated. The prostheses are more gentle than conventional systems and do not interfere with the sense of taste.
- Varieties
- Ball Retainer Prostheses: These are prostheses that used to be common but have been replaced by more advanced systems. Requires at least 2 implants in the lower jaw and 4 implants in the upper jaw.
- Locater Retained Prostheses: These are more advanced systems that provide force balance. Sufficient stability can be achieved with 2 implants in the lower jaw and 4 implants in the upper jaw.
- Bar-anchored Prostheses: Provides high stability against vertical and horizontal forces. The implants are connected with a bar system and the forces are evenly distributed.
- Locater Over Bar Prosthesis: Combines the advantages of the bar system with the locater, but at a slightly higher cost.
What are the Advantages of Implant Removable Prostheses?
- It provides better retention and stability than conventional prostheses.
- It offers a more comfortable life and increases the ability to chew and grind.
- Since the prosthesis does not move in the mouth, patients get used to it faster.
- Bone loss remains minimal.
- Prostheses can be easily removed and cared for when needed.
Lifespan of Implant Prostheses
The lifespan of implant prostheses depends on the materials used and oral health. Under ideal conditions, dentures can be used for many years.
