The use of dental implants to retain thumb prostheses: a short-term evaluation of 2 cases

This article presents the use of dental implants for the retention of thumb prostheses. Two patients with traumatic amputation of the thumb were rehabilitated with implant-supported digital prostheses. A dental implant was placed in the residual bone of the thumb. After a 3-month osseointegration period, retentive attachment and silicone prostheses were fabricated. Osseointegration of the implant, peri-implant skin health, and prosthesis function were assessed every 6 months. The follow-up period was 18 months for patient 1 and 21 months for patient 2. Osseointegration was achieved, and there were no skin problems. Some degree of tactile sensation was observed, and the patients were satisfied with the esthetic result.