title: Transition from failing dentition to full-arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis with a staged approach using removable partial dentures: a case series.
abstract: The present retrospective case series is aimed at evaluating a staged approach using a removable partial denture (RPD) as an interim prosthesis in treatment to correct a failing dentition until such time as a full-arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis may be inserted. Eight patients, who had undergone maxillary full-arch rehabilitation with dental implants due to poor prognosis of their dentitions, were analyzed. All treatment included initial periodontal therapy and a strategic order of extraction of hopeless teeth. An RPD supported by selected teeth rehabilitated the compromised arch during implant osseointegration. These remaining teeth were extracted prior to definitive prosthesis delivery. Advantages and drawbacks of this technique were also recorded for the cases presented. Among the advantages provided by the staged approach are simplicity of fabrication, low cost, and ease of insertion. Additionally, RPD tooth support prevented contact between the interim prosthesis and healing abutments, promoting implant osseointegration. The main drawbacks were interference with speech and limited esthetic results. Implant survival rate was 100% within a follow-up of at least 1 year. The use of RPDs as interim prostheses allowed for the accomplishment of the analyzed rehabilitation treatments. It is a simple treatment alternative for patients with a low smile line.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Student, Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Arthur Rodriguez Gonzalez
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Cortes
authors.forename: Djalma Nogueira
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Cortes
authors.forename: Juliana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: No-Cortes
authors.forename: Emiko Saito
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Arita
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods; D015921:Dental Implants; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D003831:Denture, Partial, Immediate; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D003833:Denture, Partial, Temporary; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009065:Mouth Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000379:methods; D014584:User-Computer Interface
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants
keywords: Dental implants; full-arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis; partial removable prosthesis