Traditional & Contemporary Materials in Full Arch Implant Reconstruction (LS11)

As advancements in dental materials evolve, our decisions for fabricating a definitive prosthesis for full-arch implant reconstruction can be challenging. The answer, although not simple, involves a keen understanding of diagnosis and treatment planning for such patients. Furthermore, the understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the various biomaterials can aid in ones rational for choosing the appropriate material for the definitive prostheses. This topic is of importance for any clinician treating the terminal dentition or edentulous patient because it will provide an algorithm on a correct diagnosis and what material may be applied for that treatment scenario. Whether a patient presents with terminal dentition or complete edentulism, we as clinicians must properly diagnose each patient prior to treatment planning a case. Understanding the difference of a “tooth-only” defect and a “composite defect” allows for evaluating prosthetic space, material selection and communication of the definitive prosthetic design to our patients. With the advancements in dental materials evolving, our choices can be endless. However, consideration of the strength and weaknesses of the various biomaterials can aid in one's rationale for choosing the appropriate material.