Straumann Pro Arch

The Team Approach in a Complete mouth Pro Arch Hybrid

Initial Situation

A Periodontist and ITI colleague whose office is two hours from our practices referred this
patient to our team. Initially, she was seen by the Prosthodontist, Dr. Harry Randel, and sub-
sequently referred to the Periodontist, Dr. Robert Levine, for a team approach to solve her
failing dentition.

Robert A. Levine, The patient presented as a 65 year-old non-smoking female (ASA 3: Illnesses under treat-
DDS, FCPP, FISPPS ment: anxiety/depression, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, hypothyroid and history of myofacial
pain dysfunction) to our office (Figs. 1-3). There was a history of TMJ issues (ie., clicking and
Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology
pain with her right side TM joint) which presently is under control and pain-free. Her chief
Fellow, International Team for Implantology
complaint was to improve her esthetics and comfort with desire for a permanent and quick
Private Practice at the Pennsylvania Center for solution to replace her failing dentition. She also desires a reduction of her maxillary anterior
Dental Implants & Periodontics, gummy smile in the final prosthesis. She arrived to our office for a third surgical consult for an
Philadelphia, PA immediate load maxillary and mandibular hybrid restoration using the Straumann Pro Arch
Clinical Professor in Periodontics & treatment concept (tilting of the distal implants to avoid anatomic structures of the maxillary
Implantology Kornberg School of Dentistry, sinus, mandibular mental foramina). This treatment concept reduced the need for additional
Temple University surgeries and number of implants needed to provide a fixed hybrid restoration with a first
Philadelphia, PA molar occlusion. A medium to high lip line was noted upon a wide smile with a bi-level plan
Clinical Associate Professor in Periodontology of occlusion. Also noted was supraeruption of her maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth
and Implantology, (#7-10 and #25-27) creating a deep bite of 6mm (Fig 2). A Class I canine relationship was re-
University of North Carolina, corded with 6 mm overjet & 6 mm overbite. Due to her medication-related dry mouth issue,
Chapel Hill, NC generalized recurrent caries were noted. Periodontal probing depths ranged generally 4-7mm
in the maxillary jaw and 4 to 6mm in the mandibular jaw with moderate to severe marginal
gingival bleeding upon probing in both jaws. Tooth #6 was noted to have a vertical fracture
clinically. There was generalized heavy fremitus in her maxillary teeth and mobilities ranging
2-3 degrees on the following teeth: #3, 7 thru 13, 20-26 and 29. Her compliance profile was
good with her previous dentists, however, she states as always having issues with my gums.
The tentative treatment plan that was discussed at the initial visit, with the patient and her
husband, included the following:

Harry Randel, DMD Diagnosis: Generalized moderate to advanced periodontitis; generalized recurrent caries re-
Fellow, International Team for Implantology lated to medication-related dry mouth; posterior bite collapse with loss of occlusal vertical
dimension (mutilated dentition).
Private Practice in Prosthodontics
Prognosis: all remaining teeth are hopeless.
& Advanced Restorative Dentistry,
Philadelphia & Blue Bell, PA
Plan: office for de-plaquing, review of plaque control techniques and
1. O
 btain a CBCT of both arches to evaluate bone quality, bone delivery of a water irrigation device at 6 weeks. An occlusal ad-
quantity, and anatomical limitations.(Fig. 4) justment to be completed at each post-operative visit with the
2. A
 rticulate study models with fabrication of diagnostic full upper surgical and restorative offices, because the occlusion is very
denture (FUD), full lower denture (FLD) and surgical guide dynamic as the patients musculature continues to accept her
templates. newly restored occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). Time is also
3. T
 eam discussions to develop the final surgical and prosthetic needed to stabilize her TMJ symptoms.
treatment plan for hybrid restorations using the Straumann 7. Completion of final case at least 3 months post-surgery. Since
Bone Level Tapered Implant (BLT) with a first molar occlusion. the patient will be spending the winter in Florida, she will
Utilization of an indirect technique will be used to fabricate the commence her final treatment when she returns in the spring.
converted fixed laboratory metal-reinforced provisionals in one day. 8. Periodontal maintenance every 3 months alternating between
4. C
 oordination of the surgical visit (Dr Robert Levine) with the offices.
prosthodontists office (Dr. Harry Randel), dental laboratory
(NewTech Dental Laboratory, Landsdale, PA), and the dental Based on CBCT analysis it was decided to place 5 implants in the up-
implant company representative (Straumann USA, Andover, MA) per jaw using sites: #4 (tilted), #7, between #8 & #9 (midline), #10
are arranged. The patient is aware of the possibility of needing and #12 (tilted) after vertical bone reduction for prosthetic room.
to wear one or both dentures during the healing phase if the Four implants were anticipated to be placed in the lower jaw in sites
insertion torque values are inadequate for immediate loading. #21 (tilted), #23, #26, & #28 (tilted). The anticipated position of each
This may be due to bone quality, bone quantity, or need for ex- implant is desired to be palatal in the maxillae to the original teeth
tensive bone grafting requiring a membrane technique for guid- and lingual to the original mandibular teeth. This is to allow for screw-
ed bone regeneration (GBR) and a 2-stage approach. This is very access holes exiting away from the incisal edges anteriorly, and if
important to review with all patients especially when only four possible lingual to the central fossae in the posterior sextants. An
implants are planned in the maxillae as the distal implants(s) additional benefit of palatal and lingual placement of each implant is
may record poor insertion torque values due to bone quality and that their final position will be at least 2-3 mm from the anticipated
quantity. The ability to use longer, tapered (BLTs), and tilted im- buccal plates, which is beneficial for long-term bone maintenance
plants- as in the present case- with adequate and implant survival. If the necessary 2 mm buccal bone to the final
buccal bone available for the anticipated 4.1mm implants help implant position is not available, then contour augmentation (bone
to reduce this possibility significantly. grafting) is recommended to create that dimension. The goal is to pre-
5. D
 elivery of the fixed provisionals in one day in the vent buccal wall resorption over time using slowly resorbing anorganic
prosthodontist office. bovine bone and a resorbable collagen membrane. This membrane
6. P
 ost-operative visits every 2-3 weeks with the periodontist allows easy contouring and flexibility over the graft material when it

1 2 3

Fig. 1 3 The patient presented as a 65 year-old non-smoking female (ASA 3: Illnesses under treatment: anxiety/depression, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, hypothyroid and
history of myofacial pain dysfunction).

4 5 6

Fig. 4 A CBCT was taken at presentation of both arches Fig. 5 6 The bone cuts were made measuring from the mid-buccal of the guide (10-12mm) and extended beyond
to evaluate bone quality, bone quantity, and anatomical the anticipated cantilever length to create adequate strength and thickness of the final prosthesis.
limitations.
is wet. It is also important to evaluate tissue thickness. It is ideal to The mandibular arch was treated in a similar manner. Additionally,
have at least 2mm of buccal flap thickness over each implant as thin bilateral mandibular tori reduction were accomplished with the aid
tissues are associated with bone loss and recession over time. Either of the PIEZOSURGERY saw (tip: OT7) after the extractions and prior
connective tissue grafts from the palatal flap or tuberosity can be har- to the vertical bone reduction of the mandibular ridge. Subsequently
vested and sutured under the buccal flap. Alternatively, an allograft the implants were placed.
connective tissue or a thick collagen material can be used to thicken
the buccal flaps when necessary. The implant sites were prepared using the manufacturers protocol
(except for bone tapping) for the Straumann BLT implant. The implants
Surgical Appointment: were placed using the surgical guide template with the following in-
sertion torques measured: site: #4, #7, #8-9,#11,#13, #21,#23,#26. All
The patient was pre-medicated with oral sedation (Triazolam 0.25mg), torques were >35Ncm with #28 recording 20Ncm insertion torque
amoxicillin, a steroid dose pack and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) values. All implants were 4.1mm in diameter and 14mm in length ex-
rinse all starting 1 hour prior to surgery. The patients chin and nose cept #7, #8-9, and #11, which were 12mm in length (Fig 7). All 17 and
were marked with indelible marker, and the OVD was measured using 30 degree-angled implants were bone profiled prior to SRA abutment
a sterile tongue depressor with similar markings while the patient placement. This allowed the complete seating of the SRA abutment
remained closed. The patient was then given full mouth local anesthe- at the recommended 35Ncm torque. Using the available Straumann
sia. Starting with the maxillary arch, full thickness flaps were raised bone profilers with the appropriate Narrow Connection (NC) or Reg-
and sutured to the buccal mucosa with 4-0 silk to provide improved ular Connection (RC) inserts was a critical step for an abutment to
surgical access and vision. The teeth were removed with the goal of fit correctly. The following SRA abutments (all were 2.5mm gingival
buccal plate preservation using the PIEZOSURGERY (Mectron: Colum- heights) were then chosen: straight: #23, #26; 17 degrees: #4, #7, #8-9;
bus, OH) for bone preservation (tips EX 1, Ex 2, Micro saw: OT7S-3). and 30 degrees: #11, #13, #21, and #28. Tall protective healing caps
The sockets were degranulated with PIEZOSURGERY (tip: OT4) and were then placed (Fig 8), and the dentures were checked to evaluate
irrigated thoroughly with sterile water. With the anatomically correct that there was adequate space for the pink acrylic to allow for bite
surgical guide in position and firmly held in place by the surgical as- registration material thickness. All sockets and buccal gaps to the im-
sistant, measurements were made from the mid-buccal of each tooth. mediately placed implants were bone grafted. Prior to suturing, the
Surgical cuts were made going from the anticipated cantilever of site tissue flaps were scalloped with 15c blades to reduce overlap of the
#3 to site #14 using the PIEZOSURGERY saw (tip: OT7 ). Our team goal flaps over the protective caps. This not only aided in post-operative
was to create the prosthetic room necessary for a hybrid restoration healing, but also aided in the visualization of the abutments by the
i.e. 10-12 mm. The cuts were intentionally extended beyond the an- restorative dentist for the provisional insertion. The patient was su-
ticipated cantilever length to create adequate strength and thickness tured with resorbable 4-0 chromic gut and 5-0 Vicryl sutures (Ethi-
of the final prosthesis in these unsupported cantilever areas. (Figs 5-6) con: Johnson & Johnson) and was released to be seen immediately by

7 8 9

Fig. 7 All implants were 4.1mm in diameter. #7, #8, #9, Fig. 8 All SRA abutments were 2.5mm in height. #4, #7, Fig. 9 Bite registration material was used to confirm
and #11 were 12 mm in length; #4 and #13 were 14 mm #8 and #9 were 17 degrees and #11 and #13 were 30 there was no contact of the healing caps with the
in length. degrees. Tall protective healing caps in place. intaglio surface of the denture.

10 11 12

Fig. 10 Provisonal prostheses Fig. 11 Panoramic radiographic confirming proper Fig. 12 GC verification jig
seating of the provisional restorations.
Dr. Randel for the coordinated restorative visit. As discussed below, lab will use the registration material left in the intaglio surface of the
his responsibilities included: bite registration, impressions, and the prostheses, as healing caps will be placed on the newly fabricated
dental lab conversion of the complete denture to a metal reinforced models. This allows the index to transfer the OVD and centric rela-
fixed transitional prosthesis (indirect provisioalization technique). Our tionships with contact just on the healing caps. The soft tissue plays
team of restorative dentists have been treating full-arch immediately no role in this relationship. A bite registration was made to confirm
loaded cases on 5-8 implants (depending if restoration is a hybrid or centric relation. Healing caps were then removed and open tray im-
C&B) since 1994. Our earlier experiences, for approximately the first pression copings were placed. If the connection between the implant
two years (1994-1996), have us all presently using the indirect tech- abutments and the impression copings are not visualized, then x-ray
nique, which in our hands is easier for everyone involved (especially confirmation of the connection is needed. Transfer Impressions were
the patient). We handle these coordinated visits between offices, the made using a custom tray and rigid impression material of choice, in
dental lab, and our Straumann representative weeks prior so we are this case polyether was used. Our lab courier delivered the dentures
all on the same page with timing. These coordinated efforts could be and impressions to the lab for the conversion to metal-reinforced,
compared to a symphony orchestra, where each musician knows their screw retained provisionals, which were delivered back to the restor-
specific part and when and where they are expected to be. Many of ative office within 24 hours.
our patients have described this fluidity as a seamless experience that
they witness first hand and greatly appreciate. The next afternoon, the prostheses were inserted (Fig 10) and pan-
oramic radiographic confirmation of proper seating was obtained (Fig
Same day Restorative appointment with 11). Any necessary occlusal adjustments were then completed. The
Dr. Randel (Prosthodontist): patient was then seen every 2-3 weeks for deplaquing and plaque con-
trol review per our earlier discussed protocol. The occlusion was also
The patient was seen from Dr. Robert Levines office for restorative refined as needed. The patients TMJ symptoms were significantly
records in preparation for immediate load protocol. The previously reduced within the first 3 weeks. A water irrigation device was given
processed dentures were first checked with pressure paste to insure and reviewed at 6 weeks post-surgery.
there was no contact of the intaglio surface with the tall healing
caps. Bite registration material was then used to confirm there was As the patient was in Florida for the winter, and unable to come in after
no contact (Fig 9) and later will be used by the lab to articulate the the typical 3 month protocol, she was seen 4 1/2 months after the sur-
models. Efforts were made to confirm the OVD (with the marked gery. At that time, periapical x-rays of each implant were done to con-
tongue depressor provided by Dr. Levine), incisal position, midline, firm bone healing. The prosthesis were removed and cleaned. GC ver-
plane of occlusion, and centric position with the prosthesis in place. ification jigs (Fig 12), made on the original models and fabricated prior
Adjustments were made as needed. Photographs were acquired to to the appointment, were tried in. If passivity is not confirmed, then
document and relay information via e-mail to the lab technician. The the GC jig can be cut and re-indexed. Once the fit of the verification

13 14 15

Fig. 13 Tissue transfer impression with verification jig Fig. 14 Wax try-in verifying occlusion, esthetics & Fig. 15 18 The completed case is shown
phonetics

16 17 18
jigs was confirmed, custom trays were used to transfer the relationships (Fig 13). During the fol-
lowing appointments, OVD and centric relations were obtained, and the wax try-ins were con-
firmed for esthetics, phonetic, and occlusion prior to the milling of the framework (Fig 14). It is
important to confirm tooth location prior to milling the framework so that the framework was
designed within the parameters of the acrylic/tooth borders.

At the insertion appointment, the healing caps were removed and cleaned with Chlorhexidine.
Figure 15 demonstrates the excellent healing of the soft tissue prior to insertion of the pros-
thesis. Once inserted, the esthetics, phonetics, and OVD of the prosthesis were confirmed. The
occlusion was adjusted as needed. Screws were tightened to 15 Ncm, screw access openings
were filled with Teflon tape to within 2mm of the surface, and a soft material such as Telio
or Fermit was used to seal the access. A maxillary acrylic nightguard was fabricated to aid in
protection of the occlusal surfaces from wear and to help reduce any parafunctional habits.
The completed case is shown (Figs 15-18). At subsequent appointments, the prostheses were
evaluated to determine if they needed to be removed to assess the soft tissue or if any con-
touring of the acrylic was necessary. Eventually the soft material used to close the access can
be replaced with a hard composite material.

Conclusion
A Complex-SAC Straumann Pro Arch Case was presented. Management of this treatment
utilized the advantages of the team approach for maximizing our combined knowledge to
benefit the patient, consistent with ITI doctrine. The use of the BLT implants, due to excellent
initial stability, gave us the confidence in our ability to not only use immediate extraction sites
(Type 1 implant placement), but also, to increase avoidance of anatomic structures. In this
case, the structures include the maxillary sinuses, nasopalatine and mental foramina, as well
as the inferior alveolar nerve canals. In addition, with the tapered design of the BLT implant,
maxillary anterior areas could be utilized by the surgeon to avoid apical fenestrations where
undercuts could become problematic using straight walled Bone Level implants. The coordi-
nated appointments, along with the symphony-like steps in the procedure, created a positive,
seamless experience for the patient.