Metal free, full arch, fixed prosthesis for edentulous mandible rehabilitation on four implants

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this work is to describe an implant-prosthetic protocol for rehabilitation of edentulous mandible, by using a fixed prosthesis made of fiber-reinforced composite material (FRC). The protocol contemplates a minimal invasive surgery and ensures predictable and safe results, with good aesthetic and performance combined to cost savings.

Methods: FRC material is used to build the substructure of a prosthetic framework supported by four short implants (5mm long and 4mm wide). The prosthesis substructure is made of Trinia immersed in a matrix of epoxy resin (FRC). It is supplied in milling blocks (pre-cured) for the CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technique. Implants are placed in lower edentulous jaw in position of first molar and canine, each side. Four month after, a resin bar is build based on a stone model, denture teeth are placed and the occlusion is checked. The resin bar and the stone model with milled abutments are scanned and a FRC bar is achieved with the CAD/CAM technique. The teeth are mounted to the substructure trough denture resin. Temporary cementation of framework is achieved on the abutments connected to the implants.

Conclusion: A protocol for a fixed mandibular implant-prosthetic rehabilitation is described. The protocol contemplates a minimal invasive surgery and ensures predictable and safe results, with good aesthetic and performance combined to cost savings. In addition, this technique allows performing basic surgery also in presence of atrophy.

Keywords: Fiber reinforced composite material; Metal-free; Short implant; Trinia.