Management of Completely Edentulous Patients with Atrophic Bone Using Implant Therapy: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Abstract Edentulism, the complete loss of all teeth, is a global issue affecting individuals’ physical and psychological well-being. It results from various biological factors like dental diseases and social factors such as limited oral care and education access. The absence of teeth affects aesthetics, speech and overall comfort, impacting the quality of life negatively. Traditional complete removable dentures, though widely used, come with limitations. They fail to stimulate jawbones, leading to bone loss and loose dentures. Stability issues arise with severely resorbed ridges and inadequate abutment teeth. Loose dentures cause discomfort, affect speech and can lead to psychological distress, limiting social interactions, and this necessitates laboratorial or in-office relining and repairs, especially for lower dentures. To address these challenges, implant-supported prostheses offer a natural look, comfortable fit, durability and improved chewing ability. They help preserve facial features and bone structure, enhancing overall quality of life. After tooth loss, the alveolar bone undergoes predictable changes, becoming progressively resorbed. Insufficient bone poses challenges for dental implant placement. Various strategies, such as bone augmentation or innovative use of existing bone, enable successful implant placement despite bone deficiency in the jaw.