Supporting Patients with Defective Dental Bridges
Luis, a 52-year-old patient, came to us seeking replacement of a failing bridge #1-5. He had multiple previous dental restorations that had failed. Luis had become desperate to find a solution that would allow him to confidence to eat and speak properly as well as improve his comfort and appearance. He had maxillary sinus pneumatization and did not want to have a graft.
This challenging scenario was resolved by using some of the latest prosthodontic advancements:
- Utilization of pterygoid implants
- Digital and castless workflow
- Photogrammetry extraoral implant impressions
- Design and manufacturing of monolithic zirconia component-less prostheses
Luis’s diagnosis included a complete prosthodontic evaluation involving CBCT scan, x-rays, photographic analysis, Intraoral Optical scanning, and a full oral examination. Luis’s was diagnosed as having a defective long-span bridge and failing abutment tooth #5 with pneumatization of his right maxillary sinus, making him an excellent candidate for a pterygoid implant.
Luis’s treatment sequence included
- Extraction of teeth #1 and 5 and the immediate placement of implants in positions: 1, 4, and 5.
- Soft tissue contouring using a provisional fixed prosthesis.
- Digital impression using photogrammetry technology.
- Delivery of a monolithic zirconia implant supported fixed partial denture prosthesis utilizing a pterygoid implant and a component less abutment connection.
Treatment Outcome
The patient was pleased with the treatment outcome. During the procedure, minimal occlusal adjustments restricted to lateral movements were performed. Luis can finally eat and speak with confidence and comfort.
This case demonstrates the use of recent technological advances in the field of implant prosthodontics that allows for expedited treatment and improved treatment outcomes for patient and providers.
If you have comments or questions about Luis’s case, please email me at: smileagain@gaprostho.com
As a Prosthodontist, I often coordinate with a patient’s general dentist and other dental specialists that they’ve seen.
If you have a patient in a similar situation and would like to team up for either the surgical or surgical and restorative planning of a similar case we would be happy to assist you.
How can a Certified Prosthodontist assist you and your dental team?
We specialize in the treatment of complex cases, usually involving several procedures over months of care. The next time you see a challenging case, please feel free to call us and we can discuss treatment planning or help you with any part of the treatment. Our goal is to be a resource for your office by helping manage difficult and time-consuming procedures, restoring the function and esthetics that each patient desires, then referring them back to your office for their ongoing care.
If you have a patient with several missing, broken, or severely worn teeth — or patients that are unhappy with their defective bridge — they may be a candidate for oral rehabilitation with the assistance of a Prosthodontist.
Study Club In Prosthodontics
New Findings & Best Practices for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
Do you want another opinion on a complex case? Or to meet and share ideas?
There are many ways we can help each other by working together on complex cases and by sharing knowledge and experience.
With your reputation for quality dental care and our experience with restorative treatments, we can work together on advanced cases and both benefit!
If you’d like to meet to discuss a difficult procedure or talk on the phone about how we can help each other, please call or email our office with specific days and times when you are available to talk or meet.
Registration for future events visit us at STUDY CLUB
The Reconstructive Dentistry Team
Georgia Prosthodontics is focused on Implant, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Dentistry. Drs. Carlos Castro and, Dr. Nicholas Miller have the training and private practice experience that makes treatments of complex cases more successful, including patients:
• With severely worn/damaged teeth, missing all teeth, or with ill-fitting dentures can receive a full arch of natural-looking teeth to restore function & esthetics.
• Congenital defects, a chronic condition, or traumatic injury can receive oral prostheses, which may be a combination of dental implants, crowns, bridges, or veneers.
• Patients with difficult anterior cases in the esthetic zone can receive single or multiple dental implants to replace missing teeth, or veneers or crowns to improve the appearance of their smile.
In addition, they have a private dental laboratory called Prostho Dental Lab. An in-house, experienced, and certified dental technician creates each custom restoration for referred patients from the best materials using the latest technology. To send an implant case to our dental lab, please visit: www.prostholab.com
Online Referral Form
Dear Doctor:
We appreciate your confidence in us. To refer one of your patients to a Prosthodontist you can either download our referral form or fill it out online and send it directly to us.
We look forward to hearing from you!