The patient wished to determine if a fixed-type full-arch restoration could be considered for both the maxilla and mandible.
Options that were presented included, but were not limited to, (1) removable partial dentures (RPD), (2) a maxillary complete denture vs a mandibular RPD, and (3) implant-supported removable and fixed restorations for both arches. The patient had been to several dentists who offered differing treatment plans and was very confused regarding potential options to correct the deficiencies to improve her quality of life. She had difficulty chewing due to missing and fractured teeth in the maxillary arch, did not have any posterior mandibular teeth, and did not have a repeatable bite position. The patient was unhappy with the condition of her teeth and was embarrassed to go out in public. This current article will demonstrate that it is possible to provide enough grafting material volume to fill all residual sockets and concavities from extracted teeth harvested during immediate implant placement for a dual-arch surgical procedure.Ī 68-year-old female presented with failing dentition in the maxillary and mandibular arches due to years of neglect and patchwork dentistry. Current innovations, however, have fortunately provided a new, previously untapped source for this autologous tissue: the extracted tooth, which is often readily available when full-arch implant reconstruction is planned. Therefore, most clinicians currently utilize bone and membranes available through tissue banks. 7,8 Avila-Ortiz et al concluded that “alveolar ridge preservation is an effective therapy to attenuate the dimensional reduction of the alveolar ridge that normally takes place after tooth extraction.” 9 The gold standard has always been autologous tissue harvested from the patient, which is not always easy or readily accessible. 5,6 It is well understood that substantial bone resorption and loss of bone volume can occur when extraction sites are not grafted. 4 However, the residual alveolar ridge may require grafting to fill defects left by extraction sockets or pre-existing concavities.
1-3 Additionally, the ability to place implants immediately after tooth extraction has become a viable treatment modality that can often reduce the time needed to deliver functional restorations. Regardless of a free-hand or fully guided surgical protocol, treatment outcomes for full-arch, implant-supported restorations have helped patients regain proper function, aesthetics, and quality of life. Full-arch dental implant reconstruction is a viable treatment choice for patients who are edentulous or who have teeth that are compromised and in need of extraction.