A case report of oral function restoration by dental implant treatment for missing unilateral mandibular distal-extensions

Abstract

Patient: The patient was a 64-year-old female who complained of masticatory disturbance caused by occlusal pain. Subgingival caries of a bridge abutment tooth was detected and the tooth was indicated for extraction. After extraction, the patient opted for implant treatment and a screw-fixed final superstructure was placed. Functional recovery with implant treatment was quantitatively evaluated.

Discussion: As inflammation was observed in the surrounding mucosa after provisional restoration, oral hygiene instruction using an intraoral scanner was given. Quantitative evaluation and presentation of the recovery of masticatory function were considered to be effective for conveying the importance of cleaning by the patient and for maintaining a good long-term prognosis.

Conclusion: Quantitative evaluation of the masticatory functional recovery by implant prosthetic treatment is effective for achieving high patient satisfaction with the treatment and the patient’s awareness of the need for functional maintenance.