Implant-Supported Prostheses

What Are Implant-Supported Prostheses?

Implant-supported prostheses are restorations placed on titanium implants inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
In this way, both the function and appearance of lost teeth are restored in a manner very close to natural teeth.

After implants are placed into the jawbone, they form a solid foundation through the macro- and micro-level attachment of bone around the implant (osseointegration). The prostheses placed on top form the upper part of this foundation, namely “the visible part of the tooth inside the mouth.”

Advantages of Implant-Supported Prostheses

• Natural appearance: Color, shape, and light transmission are very close to natural teeth.
• Comfort: They do not move while chewing, speaking, or smiling.
• Bone preservation: Since they transfer functional load to the jawbone and maintain stimulation, they help prevent bone loss after tooth loss.
• Do not damage neighboring teeth: Unlike bridge prostheses, they do not require reduction of adjacent teeth.
• Long-lasting: With regular maintenance, they can remain healthy in the mouth for many years.

Types of Implant-Supported Prostheses

1. Fixed Implant-Supported Prostheses

These are crown or bridge prostheses fixed onto implants with screws or special adhesive systems.
They cannot be removed by the patient and provide a permanent solution similar to natural teeth.

With fixed implant-supported prostheses, many clinical situations can be treated, ranging from one or several missing teeth to complete toothlessness. Treatment planning varies according to the bone quality and volume of the edentulous area.

Advantages:

• Provide natural-like sensation and aesthetics
• Durable and long-lasting
• Superior comfort in speaking and chewing

2. All-on-4 Implant System

All-on-4 is a treatment method that allows fixed prostheses to be supported by only four implants in completely edentulous patients.

In this system, two implants are placed in the front region and two implants in the back region at special angles. Thus, even patients with limited bone volume can receive fixed prostheses without requiring additional surgery.

Advantages:

• Implants are placed in a single surgical session, and in most cases temporary fixed teeth can be attached on the same day.
• Since bone augmentation is not required, the procedure is less invasive and faster.
• Compared to conventional full dentures, fixed prostheses provide significantly greater comfort in speaking, chewing, and smiling.
• It is an economical and effective solution with fewer implants.

With regular check-ups and proper maintenance/follow-up, the All-on-4 system provides stable, healthy, and aesthetic use for many years.

3. Removable Implant-Supported Prostheses

These are prostheses supported by 2–4 implants and stabilized with special attachment systems in cases of complete tooth loss. Patients can remove and reinsert these prostheses for cleaning purposes.

Advantages:

• Much more stable and comfortable than conventional full dentures
• Eating and speaking become easier because the prosthesis does not move
• Since tissue pressure is reduced, the risk of denture sores decreases

Treatment Process

1. Examination and planning: The dentist evaluates your bone structure and general health.
2. Implant placement: Implants are inserted into the jawbone under local anesthesia.
3. Healing period: Implants usually integrate completely with the bone within 2–3 months.
4. Prosthetic stage: Impressions are taken, and a personalized prosthesis is designed and applied onto the implants.

Maintenance and Follow-Up

Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity of implant-supported prostheses:

• Brushing teeth at least twice a day and using interdental brushes
• Dental check-ups every 6 months
• Avoiding biting very hard foods

With proper care and regular follow-ups, implant-supported prostheses can be used for 20 years or more.