Implant indications

At several points during their case presentations, the speakers gave the audience the chance to vote on the treatment approach they would choose based on the information they were given. In all cases, the majority of the audience preferred to maintain at least some of the teeth and follow a combined ‘all-on-implants-and-teeth’ restoration. In the cases presented, it seemed preferable to keep the restorations separate (if possible) to avoid jeopardising the biomechanics by splinting ankylosed implants and periodontal teeth with mobility.

“The key factor in long-term success is not prosthodontic expertise but the ability to maintain periodontal health.”

The key factor in long-term success is not prosthodontic expertise but the ability to maintain periodontal health. Cleansability of the prosthesis is mandatory; maintenance is the key prognostic factor. The recall protocol should be completely tailored to the patient and the evolution of their periodontal parameters. The speakers also conceded that, while a combined ‘all-on-implants-and-teeth’ restoration may be the best all-round solution for the majority of cases, there are other times when the patient may want to prioritise aesthetics, or may have financial limitations. In these cases, an ‘all-on-implants’ approach may be more suitable, as a patient’s priorities should always be taken into account during the decision-making process.