A case report of reconstruction of oral function using an implant prosthesis and cantilever fixed partial denture in a patient with partially edentulous arches

Abstract

Patient: The patient was a 69-year-old woman who experienced pain due to periodontitis and difficulty in mastication due to fracture and movement of an implant. Bilaterally missing molars caused a significant decrease in the occlusal supporting area. Prosthetic treatment with dental implants and a cantilever bridge resulted in a good prognosis.

Discussion: Although the patient did not undergo complete dental reconstruction, her masticatory function was recovered, and her oral health-related quality of life was improved. The treatment plan was challenging, aimed at avoiding the need for hard-to-adapt dentures and minimizing surgical invasiveness.

Conclusion: Satisfactory functional restoration was achieved by selectively using fixed prosthodontic treatment with the shortened dental arch concept.