Implant-supported titanium prostheses following augmentation procedures: a clinical report.
BACKGROUND
This report describes a novel technique for fabricating retrievable implant-supported titanium (Ti) prostheses in patients requiring a comprehensive treatment plan involving the combined efforts of maxillofacial surgery and implant prosthodontics.


METHODS
Following bone graft reconstructive surgery and implant placement prosthetic treatment was initiated by inserting ITI-Octa abutments. An impression was made, and a framework was fabricated by fusing Ti-cast frameworks to prefabricated titanium copings by laser-welding. This was followed by veneering or fabrication of a removable denture with Ti metal re-enforcement.


RESULTS
Favourable clinical results have been achieved using these screw-retained Ti implant-supported restorations for patients treated with reconstructive bone graft-surgery, with clinical observation periods ranging from three to four years.


CONCLUSIONS
The present observations suggest that these screw-retained implant-supported Ti prostheses may be a meaningful contribution to implant prosthodontics, facilitating retrievable restorations of optimum biocompatibility, good marginal precision and with a good esthetic result. However, controlled clinical studies are needed to establish the long-term serviceability of these Ti restorations.
Knabe
C
C
Department of Experimental Dentistry, University Hospital Benjamin Franklin, Free University of Berlin, Germany. Christine.knabe@medizin.fu-berlin.de
Hoffmeister
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D012994:Dental Soldering; D003801:Dental Veneers; D003779:Denture Design; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium
D015921:Dental Implants; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D014025:Titanium