Cantilever Extension for Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses: A Systematic Review
Tabark Shihab, Saja Ali Muhsin, Raad Al Marza
Abstract
Background: Extend fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) with cantilever extensions used over locations with insufficient bone to avoid bone grafting. Cantilever extensions in both full-arch and short-span bridges have been documented in recent comprehensive reviews. However, cantilever FDPs have been the topic of numerous complaints of technical and mechanical issues. Therefore, this article addressed numerous variables to be analyzed in terms of implantation success rate, prosthesis success rate, minor bone loss, mechanical and technical prosthesis problems, and biological complications. Other variables from in-vitro, in-silico, and in-vivo studies were searched for and described where they were present, in addition to the loading duration of the rehabilitations, resources for reconstruction, and implant system used. Objective of study: The present literature review aims to explore the use of cantilever-extending design as a successful treatment in implant-supported restorations for posterior regions. Results: A Google Scholar operator scanned the literature and ran a hand search of the leading implantology and prosthetics journals from 2003 to July the 11th, 2023. Only articles on cantilevers for posterior implant-supported fixed restorations were considered. The outcome factors were implant and prosthetics survival, mechanics, technical, and biology issues, and bone loss on the margins. To better understand the implant-supported restoration with the cantilever extension approach and to assess its viability and dependability in the field of dental implants, this review article will focus on studies conducted over the past 20 years, beginning in 2003 to 2023. Therefore, this literature review aims to examine how the cantilever extension idea has been used in the field of dental implantology. Conclusion: Thirty papers of cantilever extensions for implant-retained FPDs were chosen. The estimated in-vitro of 4 papers (14%), in-silico of 8 papers (27%), and in-vivo studies were of 17 papers (59%). There is a suggestion that cantilever extension can be an effective therapy in implant-supported restorations for posterior regions.