Fixed Implant-Supported Rehabilitation:

Fixed Implant-Supported Rehabilitation:

What should you know about fixed implant-supported rehabilitation in the edentulous maxilla?

The rehabilitation of an edentulous maxilla involves the insertion of 4 to 6 titanium implants in the alveolar bone crest and the placement of a fixed screw-retained bridge over the implants. (In the case of zirconium implants, the prosthetic solution is somewhat more complex but possible). We are one of the clinics with the most experience in this field. The prosthesis is, in our opinion, an important factor in ensuring the long-term health of the implants.

Clínica Somosaguas has participated in the development of a novel prosthetic concept, specially designed for dental implants, with a clinical experience of more than 8 years, called SIEWERT BRIDGE SOLUTION™. For more information, you can visit www.siewertbridge.com

Clinic visits are usually organized as follows:
1st appointment: Clinical examination, 3D intraoral scanning and panoramic X-ray and, if necessary, CT scan. Duration approximately 1 hour.
2nd appointment: Insertion of the implants in a minimally invasive way, generally the patient does not have swelling or pain, and atraumatic impression with intraoral scanner. Duration approximately 2 hours.
3rd appointment: The next day, the patient comes to the clinic for a check-up and the fixation of a temporary fixed bridge, designed and milled 100% digitally in the dental laboratory. Duration approximately 20 minutes.
4th appointment: After 1 month, the patient comes for a check-up.
5th appointment: After 2-4 months, the patient receives their definitive bridge and we give them the temporary bridge as a spare prosthesis in case of any problem.

What differentiates the SIEWERT BRIDGE™ from other conventional solutions such as metal-ceramic, monolithic zirconia or metal-acrylic?

The SIEWERT BRIDGE™ is a two-layer rehabilitation, the base, i.e., the bridge structure, being made of a polymer called PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) and the occlusal veneer consists of individual zirconia crowns; two biocompatible and metal-free materials. The almost 100% digital and industrial manufacturing process guarantees precision and quality.

 

Advantages provided by PEEK:
Elasticity comparable to the maxillary bone itself, it could be called bioelasticity. The bridge structure is precisely milled from a block with optimal qualities and the design itself incorporates functions such as the geometries of the connection with the implant and the biocompatible ceramic veneer (used for vertebral, skullcap and hip implants) and much lighter than metals such as titanium or chromium-cobalt.
Respecting the minimum thicknesses, it is unbreakable and has no fatigue.

 

Advantages provided by zirconia:
- Abrasion resistant.
- Very aesthetic.
- Easily reproducible.

I want to know more …

Sometimes patients come to our clinic to ask for a second opinion. It is a wise attitude before making an important decision. If we ask artificial intelligence, in this case Grok, it gives us the following answer:
Yes, it is advisable to seek a second opinion when it comes to dental treatments such as implants.

 

This can offer you several advantages:

-Confirmation of Diagnosis: Getting a second opinion can confirm or question the initial diagnosis, ensuring that your situation is correctly assessed.
-Different Treatment Perspectives: Each dentist may have their own particular approach or may propose alternatives that were not considered in the first consultation.
-Risk and Benefit Assessment: A second professional can provide you with a different perspective on the risks and benefits of the treatment, which is crucial for making an informed decision.
-Costs and Payment Plans: You may receive different cost estimates or financing options, which is important if the treatment is expensive.
-Quality and Experience: You will be able to evaluate the experience and reputation of more than one professional, which can influence your confidence in the treatment.

 

If the patient still has several of their own teeth, it is important to assess the health status of these molars or teeth. Only a professional with extensive experience has the ability to do this properly. In our opinion, it is important to have the conviction that what nature gives us is superior to what we can offer, that is, a conservative attitude.
On the other hand, just to give an example, a single 100% healthy tooth in a maxilla poses a difficulty for a fixed implant-supported solution, and it is better to “sacrifice” that tooth to achieve a better long-term result.
On many occasions, this decision is taken very lightly, and the extraction of several savable teeth is proposed only to carry out a fixed implant-supported rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla.
More than 25 years ago, Dr. Maló of Lisbon introduced the all-on-four technique, that is, a fixed bridge on only 4 implants in an edentulous maxilla. At first, it was harshly criticized, but over the years, clinical evidence has proven him right, and now practically all commercial dental implant companies offer this solution. The technique uses areas with sufficient natural bone and avoids bone augmentation treatments. This approach reduces treatment time, makes it less aggressive, and reduces the possibility of complications.
In some cases, it is preferable to place 6 implants instead of just 4.
If you are interested and want to assess your dental health and treatment possibilities, do not hesitate to call us to make an appointment for an examination.