Implant-supported prosthesis: What is it?

Both teeth and gum tissue can be replaced with an implant-supported fixed prosthesis. It functions and seems much like your own teeth. Even when you chew and speak, the prosthetic remains securely in place.

With the advent of implant therapy, modern dentistry has undergone a significant transformation. Regardless of stomatognathic system atrophy, sickness, or damage, modern dentistry aims to restore normal contour, function, comfort, aesthetics, health, and speech. But the more teeth a patient has missing, the more challenging it is to accomplish this with conventional dentistry. Today, the practice of anchoring alloplastic material into the jaws to give support and retention for prosthetic replacements of missing teeth is known as dental implantology.

Implant-supported prosthesis: What is it?

A dental prosthetic appliance that is supported by dental implants is known as an implant-supported prosthesis. Abutment sites are the implants that hold the prosthesis in place. For missing teeth, there is a restorative dentistry alternative.

A thorough dental examination and diagnosis are required to establish your oral health and the best type of prosthesis for you. Before developing an oral care strategy for your dental condition, educating yourself on the many forms of dental prostheses is best.

What materials make up an implant-supported full fixed prosthesis?

An implant-supported fixed prosthesis is made up of numerous components.

Multiple (often four or more) titanium implants are inserted into the upper or lower jaw to replace some of the missing teeth' root structures.
The titanium abutments are fastened to the implant with a screw. This component joins the prosthesis and the implants.
Acrylic resin is used to create a temporary (interim) prosthesis that screws into the abutments.
The final prosthesis can really be made of a variety of materials. However, just like the temporary prosthesis, the permanent one screws onto the abutments. The screw holes will be filled with a tooth-coloured composite filling material after the prosthesis has been screwed in.
 

Prior to beginning treatment, it is important to talk about the final prosthetic teeth because different treatment choices have varied specifications for optimal aesthetics, function, intended space for the prosthesis, and the number of implants to support the prosthesis.

Different Implant-supported prosthesis types

The many kinds of implant-supported prostheses are as follows:

Metal-acrylic resin prostheses

This form of fixed implant prosthesis has outstanding clinical long-term results, and until recently, it was the most common type offered to patients. The fabrication of a metal framework that adheres to the implants and has been engineered to include mechanical components to aid in the retention of acrylic resin and artificial denture teeth. CAD/CAM is also used in modern technologies to create precisely fitted frameworks.

In cases when denture teeth or acrylic resin need to be repaired, the final prosthesis is typically screw-retained and quite simple to remove.

Ceramic-metal prostheses

These devices mimic a standard ceramic-metal bridge constructed for natural teeth in that a substructure is created to offer both the attachment to underlying implants and the proper porcelain thickness for long-term stability. The framework has been waxed fully throughout. The proper veneering ceramic thickness is then created by cutting it back, and it is scanned after that. An alloy that is compatible with ceramics is made into a metal framework using a CAM method that uses the scanned picture as a guide.

In some circumstances, the wax up may be cast in a ceramic-metal alloy. However, achieving full-arch perfection of fit is more challenging than with a CAM substructure. Given that ceramic is more realistic than acrylic resin, a metal-ceramic prosthesis exhibits very good aesthetics.

All-Ceramic prosthetics

Conceptually, this type of prosthesis is comparable to metal-ceramic prostheses, with the exception that zirconia is used for the substructure rather than metal. The zirconia is then covered with ceramic veneering. Because the grey colour of metal-ceramic does not need to be covered, an all-ceramic prosthesis may be more effective for treating patients who require a metal-free prosthesis and/or an exceptional cosmetic result. Occlusal factors, especially parafunctional ones, must be carefully taken into account in this situation, however, because ceramic chipping or fracture may be challenging to repair.

Advantages of Implant-supported prosthesis

Modern dentistry uses advanced dental restorations, such as prostheses, to assist patients in treating damaged or decaying dental structures or replacing missing teeth. The advantages of implant-supported prosthetics are as follows:

·     Works similarly to natural teeth

The dental prosthesis can be made from ceramic or resin materials that are designed to resemble your own teeth. Dental implants are strengthened and fixed by the resin and ceramic dental prosthesis that are affixed to them. Therefore, these dental prosthetics perform similarly to real teeth.

·     Superior comfort

Do you experience appetite loss because of your dentures? Do you slur your words when you speak if your denture is loose? Do you find it difficult to smile? The fact that an implant-supported prosthesis is firmly fixed to dental implants can help you chew food and eat better. Additionally, this dental prosthesis can make it easier for you to speak and smile.

·     Enhances self-esteem

Due to the fact that implant-supported prosthetics stay in place, using them can improve your self-esteem. They are firmly fastened to the abutment locations that support the prosthesis. Prostheses that are supported by implants can be worn without the use of adhesives. They resemble real teeth in appearance and functionality as they integrate with the anatomy of your mouth. Consequently, it will make you feel more assured when you speak, smile, and eat.

·     Outstanding stability

In contrast to conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures are securely fastened to the jawbone like real teeth. As a result, you can start consuming whatever foods you desire and no longer be limited to soft foods. This stability also enables crystal-clear intonation. Traditional dentures frequently slide out of position, which makes it challenging to talk correctly. Implant dentures stay firmly in place, allowing you to converse with friends, give a speech, or simply talk on the phone without having to deal with a loose restoration.

·     Avoiding bone atrophy

The stimulation the jawbone receives from implant-supported prostheses is its main health advantage. The jawbone will shrink when tooth roots are lost unless another source of stimulation is offered. Dental implants prevent bone deterioration, assisting your jaw in keeping its strength and shape. Traditional dentures need to be adjusted regularly to account for jaw changes. You might never require a correction with implant-supported dentures, saving you time and money over time.

Implant-supported prosthesis adaptation and adjustment

·       The first time the prosthesis is put on the implants, it's common to feel a varying intensity pressure that eventually goes away on its own.

·       When you first experience it, you could feel occupied or like a foreign body, but this feeling should pass within a few weeks as you become used to it.

·       Saliva production is increased, albeit it gradually returns to normal.

·       It modifies the speech a little, making it possible for phonetic issues to arise when pronouncing specific sounds, which is why customarily practise is required to learn to vocalise certain words, which is typically acquired in a few weeks. Reading aloud while looking in the mirror enables one to quickly regain clear, flowing pronunciation.

·       Due to their tendency to bite in areas where teeth are absent, it is extremely likely that they will bite your cheeks and tongue easily, but you will quickly learn to prevent this.

·       It's common to detect subtle changes in face expression and appearance; it takes a few weeks for people to adjust to the new look.

Conclusion

Dental implants have success rates above 90-95 percent for healthy people who practice proper oral care. For any implant-supported prosthesis to be successful, good oral hygiene is crucial. Even though the implants and the restoration can't decay, you'll still need to take extra care to keep the region surrounding them clean to avoid gum issues. Dental implants must be maintained regularly to prevent peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition that can harm the soft tissue and bone around implants.

After many years of use, repairs or replacement of the prosthesis are anticipated. An implant prosthesis can deteriorate and break just like real teeth do. The durability of these restorations is frequently influenced by various variables, including oral practices like teeth grinding. A night guard is frequently recommended to safeguard your implants and prosthetics.