Implant fixed prosthodontics is the area of prosthodontics focused on permanently attached (fixed) dental prostheses retained and fully supported by dental implants. It can be as simple as a single tooth to the replacement of multiple teeth and even a complete arch. The degree of support a prosthesis requires is dependent on the span where teeth have been lost. Compared to implant assisted removable prosthodontics, implant fixed prosthetics have the benefit of staying in the mouth around the clock. Like traditional tooth supported prosthetics, there are many material options available and the principles used to determine the appropriate restoration involves consideration of the materials to be used, extent of missing teeth, orientation, location and condition of the neighboring and opposing teeth.

implant supported fixed restorations

implant support fixed complete denture

An implant supported fixed complete denture is the closest thing in prosthodontics to replicate a full dentition. The prosthesis is completely supported by implants with very little contact with tissues of the residual ridge. It is as stable a prosthesis as possible, but the degree of maintenance required is much higher and frequent because of the complexity of the design. There exist several materials that the fixed complete denture can be fabricated from including; porcelain fused to metal, zirconia and acrylic process to metal. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, and our doctor will be able to have that discussion with you at the consultation visit.