Fabrication of Fixed Implant-Supported Prostheses: A Simplified Procedure Using a Novel Attachment System

By David A. Little, DDS; and Joseph J. Massad, DDS

Commercial Supporter: Zest Dental Solutions

This eBook features a continuing education (CE) article that reports two case studies illustrating a simplified procedure using a fixed attachment system to facilitate the fabrication and placement of full-arch implant-supported fixed dental prostheses in patients with limited finances. The procedural steps involved in using a fixed attachment system to transition from a removable to a fixed prosthesis using the same abutments that were used for the removable restorations are also described.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of fixed implant-supported restorations over removable restorations
• Discuss the similarities between the procedural steps used to fabricate a fixed full-arch prosthesis with a fixed attachment system and the steps involved in fabricating an overdenture supported by a removable attachment
• Describe how the procedural steps illustrated in the case studies allow a simplified transition between a removable and a fixed prosthesis

About the Authors

David A. Little, DDS
Adjunct Clinical Professor
UT Health San Antonio, School of Dentistry
San Antonio, Texas
Private Practice
San Antonio, Texas

Joseph J. Massad, DDS
Associate Professor
Department of Prosthodontics,
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Dentistry,
Memphis, Tennessee
Adjunct Associate Professor
Department of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry,
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts
Adjunct Associate Professor
Department of Comprehensive Dentistry,
University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Dentistry
San Antonio, Texas
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Oklahoma School of Dentistry
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Private Practice
Tulsa, Oklahoma