Implant‐Supported Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Localized Severe Attrition: A Clinical Report

Patients usually adapt to their existing occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). It is essential to resolve each of the problems associated with decreased vertical dimension as a result of attrition. This report describes the multidisciplinary dental treatment of a 40‐year‐old male patient who had severe tooth wear, resulting in reduced vertical dimension. After clinical evaluations, extraoral examination showed a reduction of the lower facial height, drooping, and overclosed commissures. Ten dental implants were placed into the maxillary and mandibular alveolar processes. During the osseointegration period, an interim removable partial denture was made at increased OVD to use in the first stage of rehabilitation. It was used for 3 months as a guide for preparing the definitive restorations. The patient's adaptation to the increased OVD was evaluated. During this period, he was asymptomatic. Following the evaluation period, the provisional fixed restoration was used for 3 months. Then, full‐mouth definitive prostheses supported by a combination of implants and teeth were fabricated to upper and lower jaws. Osseointegration of the implants, peri‐implant mucosa health, prosthesis function, and esthetics were assessed after 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. After 3 years of follow‐up, no functional or esthetic difficulties with the implants and restorations were noted.