Implant-Supported Prosthesis 

Tooth loss can have a significant impact on both oral function and confidence. Although  conventional dentures and bridges have been used for many years to restore missing  teeth, implant-supported prostheses offer a modern, durable, and natural alternative. These prosthetic alternatives anchor directly to dental implants placed in the jawbone,  providing stability, function, and aesthetics that mimic natural teeth.  

This article reviews what implant-supported prostheses are, their main types, how the  procedure works, and some maintenance tips and advantages compared to other  restorative options in contemporary dentistry.  

What Are Implant-Supported Prostheses? 

An implant-supported prosthesis is a dental restoration that uses titanium or zirconia  implants surgically placed in the jawbone to support a fixed or removable dental  prosthesis. The implants act as artificial roots, creating a stable foundation for crowns,  bridges, or full-arch restorations.  

Unlike conventional dentures that typically rest on the gums, implant-supported  prostheses distribute biting forces through the implants to your bone, creating a stable  and durable connection. As a result, this approach helps preserve jawbone density and  prevents the facial collapse often associated with tooth loss.  

Implant-supported prostheses are ideal for patients missing multiple teeth or an entire  arch, offering enhanced comfort, stability, and chewing efficiency.  

Types of Implant-Supported Prostheses 

Implant-supported prostheses can be broadly categorized into fixed and removable  options. The choice depends on the number of missing teeth and your bone density,  needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some of the most common alternatives:  

1. Fixed Implant-Supported Prosthesis  

As their name suggests, this type of prosthetic treatment is permanently attached to  implants and can only be removed by a dentist in a professional environment. They’re  also called implant-supported fixed bridges or hybrid prostheses. Among these you can  find: 

● All-on-4 and All-on-6 systems: These are the most common examples for  patients with complete tooth loss. This fixed prosthesis uses four or six implants  per arch to support a full set of new teeth.  

● Fixed dental crowns: They’re unitary dental restorations that replace one  missing tooth without affecting or touching neighboring healthy teeth. They can  be used on front or back teeth, offering many options.  

● Fixed dental bridges: This alternative uses two or more dental implants to  restore multiple missing teeth. The implants serve as the base for a bridge that  restores aesthetics and function.  

2. Removable Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdenture)  

In this case, a removable prosthesis attaches to dental implants through specialized  connectors, such as bars, balls, buttons, or locators. In contrast to fixed solutions,  patients can remove these types of prosthesis for daily cleaning or sleeping.  

These prosthetic treatments are typically supported by two to four implants per arch,  similar to how all-on-4 or all-on-6 alternatives work, providing greater retention than  traditional dentures. They’re ideal for patients without teeth seeking a balance between  stability and affordability.  

Key Differences Between Implant-Supported Prostheses  

While fixed and removable implant-supported alternatives offer similar advantages, they  have crucial differences that may affect your decision. 

Key Advantages 

Fixed implant supported prostheses offer excellent stability, eliminating possible  movements during speech or eating while offering a natural appearance. Removable  implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, allow for easier hygiene maintenance,  improving chewing efficiency while reducing gum irritations. 

Disadvantages 

Fixed alternatives typically come at a higher cost and the need for professional  intervention in case of repairs or cleanings. Removable options are slightly less stable  than fixed options and may require periodic adjustments of attachments.  

The Procedure for an Implant-Supported Prosthesis  

The process of getting an implant-supported prosthesis involves several stages and  typically spans several months, allowing for proper healing and integration. While these  steps may vary from one type of prosthesis to other, these are some common stages: 

1. Initial Consultation and Planning  

Just as other dental restorations, getting an implant-supported prosthesis requires a  complete evaluation that typically includes assessing your oral health, bone density, and  overall condition. This first step usually requires using X-rays, CT scans, and oral scans  to provide a comprehensive assessment of your entire mouth while creating a digital  reconstruction of the structures to determine implant positions and the type of prosthesis  best suited to your needs.  

Once the evaluation is complete, your dentist can create a tailored treatment plant,  adapted to your needs and preferences. 

2. Implant Placement Surgery  

Once the site is numbed under local anesthesia or sedation, the specialist places the  dental implants into the jawbone using a surgical guide previously made during the digital  planning. The number of implants varies depending on the case and the type of  restorations, whether it’s an all-on-4 or a fixed bridge for 3 teeth. 

During this step, the specialist uses specialized drill bits and other tools to insert the  dental implants in the jawbone carefully. Some cases require a previous dental extraction  or other surgical procedures that may extend the healing period further.  

3. Osseointegration or Healing Phase  

Over the next 3–6 months, the implants fuse with the bone through a biological process  called osseointegration, creating a solid foundation for the prosthesis. This is the most  essential phase of the treatment, requiring careful and consistent maintenance to prevent  dental plaque or other factors that may affect healing. 

4. Abutment and Prosthesis Placement  

Once the healing is complete, abutments work as small connectors that attach your  implants to the prosthesis. With the abutment in place, your dentist can fit, adjust, and  secure your custom-made dental prosthesis for optimal comfort and function. This  process is crucial whether your prosthesis is fixed or removable.  

5. Follow-Up and Maintenance  

With your implants and prosthesis in place, all that’s left are regular follow-up visits to  monitor healing, check bite alignment, keep abutments in excellent shape, and ensure  long-term stability. Your dentist will also provide customized dental advice to extend the  life and performance of your restorations. 

Differences Between Implant-Supported Prostheses and  Other Dental Prosthetics 

Implant-supported prostheses differ from conventional dentures and bridges in multiple  ways:  

● Stability and Comfort: Unlike removable dentures, they don’t slip, move, or  cause gum soreness. While most removable dentures are adapted and made to  prevent issues, most of them eventually show these issues, requiring repairs and  adjustments. 

● Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone resorption  and eliminating the side-effects associated with tooth loss.  

● Longevity: With the appropriate care and maintenance, implants can last  decades, while traditional dentures often need replacement every 5-7 years.  ● Aesthetics: Implant-supported restoration offers excellent natural appearance,  

bleeding seamlessly with the existing teeth while allowing you to feel like your  natural teeth.  

● Function: Implants restore nearly full chewing strength, allowing patients to eat  a varied diet confidently without fearing of breaking, dislodging, or moving.  

While the upfront cost and investment is typically higher than other prostheses, the long term benefits in function and oral health make implant-supported prostheses a cost effective investment over time.  

How to Take Care of Implant-Supported Prostheses  

Proper care is crucial to extend the life of your implants and prosthesis. Consider the  following:  

Daily Cleaning  

● Fixed Prostheses: Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush  and non-abrasive toothpaste. Also, incorporate floss threaders, interdental  brushes, or water flossers to clean around the implants or under the bridge.  

● Removable Prostheses: Remove daily for thorough cleaning with a denture  brush and mild soap or denture cleaner. Avoid hot water, lemon, vinegar, or other  abrasive substances that can distort and damage acrylic.  

Regular Dental Visits  

Schedule professional cleanings and examinations every 6 months, or more often if your  dentist recommends it. Your specialist will check for plaque buildup, wear, or loosening  of components to address them in time and prevent further complications.  

Avoid Damaging Habits 

Avoid biting hard objects, like ice or pens, grinding your teeth, and reduce or quick  smoking, as all of them can shorten your prosthesis’s lifespan and compromise implant  health over time. 

Maintain Excellent Periodontal Hygiene  

One of the most frequent complications in implant-supported prostheses are issues  related to inflammation and infection of implants. These conditions are called mucositis,  when the tissues are just inflamed, and peri-implantitis when it starts affecting the bone  beneath the implants. As a result, keeping your gums and implant clean and plaque-free  is essential to prevent complications and keep your restorations in great shape for many  years.  

Control Systemic Issues  

Some systemic conditions and diseases have a direct effect on your implant’s health.  Diabetes, some medications, and other metabolic disorders can make healing more  challenging, requiring strict medical control to prevent multiple complications.  

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Implant-Supported  Prosthesis?  

While implant solutions are an excellent alternative, they’re not for everyone. You may  be a good candidate if you:  

● Are missing multiple teeth or a full arch 

● Have sufficient bone density or eligible for bone grafting 

● Don’t smoke or are willing to quit during treatment 

● Maintain good oral and general health 

Unfortunately, patients with chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis or uncontrolled  diabetes, should consult their specialist before underground implant therapy.  

Conclusion  

Implant-supported prostheses represent the gold standard in modern tooth replacement.  They combine the strength of dental implants with lifelike restorations to provide  unmatched stability, function, and patient comfort. Whether fixed or removable, they help  restore your smile, quality of life, and confidence.