Rehabilitation of Edentulous Jaws with Full‐Arch Fixed Implant‐Supported Prostheses: An Approach with Short and Ultrashort Implants and Metal‐Free Materials
Riccardo Aiuto, Christian Barbieri, Daniele Garcovich, Mario Dioguardi, Mattia Redaelli, Luca De Micheli
Abstract
Introduction . Short implants represent a valid alternative to bone regeneration techniques. In addition, metal‐free prosthetic materials have several advantages for predictable rehabilitation. This case report is aimed at illustrating the advantages of fixed implant‐prosthetic rehabilitation on short and ultrashort implants and metal‐free prosthetic materials. Case report . A 66‐year‐old male patient with bone atrophy was treated with temporary denture placement performed based on a rapid protocol. Once the tissues after extractions matured and aesthetic/function was studied, short implants were prosthetically placed, and a fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) bar was digitally designed for a double full‐arch fixed rehabilitation. The 2‐year follow‐up showed the absence of peri‐implantitis signs and a stable occlusal relationship of prostheses. Discussion and conclusions . The FRC material has excellent aesthetic properties and is low cost with a simplified and fast workflow owing to digital dentistry methods. Further studies are still needed to confirm the effectiveness of long‐term therapy; however, the combination of new minimally invasive surgery and prosthetic advances seems to be very promising.