Reinforcement of an existing implant-retained complete dental prosthesis for use in compensatory techniques by a patient missing an upper limb

The purpose of this article is to describe the adaptation of a method suggested for prevention of fractures of partial removable dental prostheses to the reinforcement of an existing implant-retained fixed complete dental prosthesis (IRFCDP). The patient, an upper limb amputee, had subjected the original IRFCDP to parafunctional forces generated from use as a replacement hand in a compensatory technique commonly taught in rehabilitation. Advantages of the technique are that it provides an alternative to remaking the entire prosthesis, which was otherwise satisfactory; it adapts to a variety of situations involving anterior tooth reinforcement; and it offers a potential solution to anterior prosthetic tooth damage caused by other types of parafunction. It may also be adaptable to the reinforcement of other types of prostheses. A disadvantage is the possible need to provide a new interim prosthesis or modify an existing one while laboratory repair procedures are completed. Following reinforcement of the IRFCDP, no tooth damage was evident after one year of use. (J Prosthet Dent 2012;107:343-345)