Occlusal rehabilitation in a partially edentulous patient with lost vertical dimension using dental implants: a clinical report.
AIM
This clinical report describes the occlusal rehabilitation of a partially edentulous patient with lost vertical dimension.


BACKGROUND
The patient did not want a removable partial denture. Implants, fixed restorations with occlusal plane correction, were used to restore the anterior and posterior support and treat the severely worn dentition. However, a partially edentulous patient may be unable to recover normal function, esthetics, comfort, or phonetics with a conventional removable dental prosthesis. The use of dental implants-supported fixed prosthesis offers a multitude of benefits over a tooth-soft tissue supported removable partial denture prosthesis.


SUMMARY
This clinical report describes an organized approach to an occlusal reconstruction of a severely worn dentition, partially edentulous patient with fixed restorations, implants, occlusal plane correction, and recovery of the vertical dimension. The treatment offered the patient improved esthetics and the restoration of oral function.


CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The main indications for implant-supported restorations in a partially edentulous patient are the elimination of the free-end distal extension and the benefit from fixed restorations. Success with implant-supported prosthodontics needs the same or more attention to detail and careful treatment planning for conventional fixed prosthodontics; a team approach is recommended.