Re-establishment of occlusal plane in a patient with a failed implant prosthesis / 대한치과보철학회지

ABSTRACT

A non-physiological occlusal plane caused by continuous tooth loss, occlusal wear, and failure of a prosthesis may result in an unattractive appearance and functional problems, such as reduced masticatory efficiency and occlusal interference. Therefore, when undertaking prosthetic treatment for edentulous patients or patients with a collapsed occlusal plane, it is important to establish an occlusal plane that is compatible with masticatory function. The patient in this case report had undergone restoration of a completely edentulous maxilla using an implant-supported fixed prosthesis. On follow-up examination in the following 6 years, mechanical complications were observed in the existing implant prosthesis, including porcelain chipping, occlusal wear, and screw loosening. Moreover, due to occlusal wear and supraeruption of the opposing anterior teeth, as well as loss of some posterior teeth, the occlusal plane had collapsed. Following diagnosis, the patient underwent full mouth rehabilitation, involving additional implant installation in edentulous sites, recreation of the existing prosthesis, and prosthetic restoration of all remaining teeth.