Standard therapy for the edentulous patients with dental implants

– From the standpoint of patient-centered treatment selection –

Abstract

No consensus has been obtained regarding the choice of implant-supported prosthesis for maxillary edentulous jaws up to the present. Judging from the clinical evidence, the following two treatment modalities are generally recommended for maxillary edentulous jaws: (1) bone-anchored bridge with 4 or more implants connected, (2) implant-supported overdenture (IOD) with 4 or more implants connected. In terms of the selection of both implant-supported prostheses, following factors should be considered; the risk of implant loss, mechanical troubles of superstructure, and psychological burden of using removable prostheses. Considering these factors, a treatment plan should be made with a bone-anchored bridge as the first choice. If the implant placement site has sufficient width and height of bone, treatment with IOD can be selected in cases where lip support is required, anterior crossbite is observed, or in cases where the patient has financial constraints.