Rehabilitation of an edentulous mandible with an implant-supported prosthesis

The advances in osseointegration have resulted in an increased utilization of implants for restoration of the edentulous jaw. The success of osseointegrated implants supporting full arch prostheses has become more predictable. All implant restorations require a thorough diagnosis and a definitive treatment plan. Following a diagnostic wax-up, an optimal surgical implant template must be fabricated; it serves as a guide or prescription for placement of implants in an optimal anatomic location. The slightest misangulation of an implant may create restorative limitations. In such circumstances, alteration of the restorative design or selection of alternate materials may be required. The learning objective of this article is to review the fabrication of a combined ceramometal and resin-metal fixed/removable implant-supported mandibular hybrid prosthesis. Diagnosis, surgical template fabrication, vertical dimensions, buccal/lingual space limitations, and aesthetics are discussed.