The use of a dental implant as an abutment in three unit implant-tooth supported fixed partial denture: a case report and 32 month follow-up

The combined use of dental implants and teeth as abutments in fixed partial dentures may offer advantages to both patients and practitioners in certain clinical situations. An implant-tooth retained prosthesis may reduce surgical intervention and cost to the patient. It may also mean that anatomical restrictions to the provision of an implant-retained fixed prosthesis may be overcome. In this case report, the steps in provision of a three unit implant-to-tooth fixed partial denture are described and the treatment planning and prognosis of a restoration of this type are discussed.