Implant-supported prosthetics cover crowns, bridges and removable dentures built on implants placed in the jawbone. At our Dental Prime clinic, implant-supported prostheses are carried out by our team of dentists with an integrated approach in which the surgical and prosthetic phases are planned together.
What Is an Implant-Supported Prosthesis?
A dental implant is a screw placed in the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth's root; an implant-supported prosthesis is the tooth or teeth fitted on top of these artificial roots. It can be applied across a wide range of situations, from a single missing tooth to the loss of all teeth.
Because the prosthesis draws its support from the implants, the neighbouring natural teeth usually do not need to be ground down. This makes it a valuable option for preserving natural tooth structure, especially when a single tooth is missing.
Fixed and Removable Options
Implant-supported prostheses can be planned in different forms depending on the number of missing teeth, bone volume and your expectations:
- Single implant crown: a crown placed on one implant for a single missing tooth
- Implant-supported bridge: a fixed bridge resting on implants when several teeth are missing
- Full-arch fixed prosthesis: a fixed restoration screwed or cemented onto multiple implants in a toothless jaw
- Attachment-retained overdenture: a removable denture that seats onto implants via ball or bar attachments
How It Differs from Conventional Dentures
Conventional complete dentures used in full tooth loss stay in the mouth through tissue support alone, which can lead to complaints about retention and stability, particularly in the lower jaw. Implant-supported prostheses, drawing support from the implants, help improve retention and chewing comfort.
Results are not the same for every patient; bone volume, the number of implants and general health influence the treatment plan and the level of comfort that can be expected. That is why the decision is never made without a detailed examination and imaging.
Who Is It Considered For?
Implant-supported prosthetics are considered for patients with one or more missing teeth whose jawbone is suitable for implants and whose general health permits a surgical procedure. Bone volume and density are examined with three-dimensional imaging; if needed, additional procedures to increase bone volume are included in the plan.
Factors such as uncontrolled systemic diseases, heavy smoking and untreated gum disease can affect the process; these should be discussed openly with your dentist during the planning stage.
Care and Check-ups
Implants do not decay; however, the gum and bone tissue around them can become inflamed, just as with natural teeth. Daily cleaning around the implants — brushing, interdental brushes and special floss where needed — is therefore decisive for the long-term success of the treatment.
Removable implant-supported dentures should be taken out and cleaned every day, and worn attachment components renewed under your dentist's supervision. With fixed prostheses too, regular check-ups and professional maintenance should not be skipped; the health of the prosthesis and implants varies with care habits.
The treatment, step by step
Examination and imaging
Bone volume is assessed with an intraoral examination and three-dimensional imaging; the number of implants and the type of prosthesis are planned.
Implant surgery and healing
The implants are placed comfortably under local anaesthesia; the healing period your dentist specifies is allowed for the implant to integrate with the bone (osseointegration).
Impression and framework try-in
Once healing is complete, a precise impression is taken over the implants; the prosthesis framework and the tooth try-in are tested in the mouth.
Fitting the prosthesis
A fixed prosthesis is delivered by screwing or cementing it in place, a removable one by seating it onto its attachments; use and cleaning are explained.
Regular check-ups
The health of the tissues around the implants and the fit of the prosthesis are checked regularly at the intervals your dentist sets.
