Megha Sagar

Abstract

Implant abutments are artificial devices that are connected to the dental implants after the healing process is over. The abutments are used to attach a crown, bridge, or removable denture to the implant fixtures. Accurate prosthodontic rehabilitation is the key factor for providing the long-term success and the survival of osseointegrated implants. A precise fit of the implant is crucial since microgaps at the implant–abutment interface allow for microbial colonization, which can lead to peri-implant tissue inflammation. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been used for academic investigations and commercialization of several dental devices, such as dental implants, abutments, healing caps, orthodontic braces, and most notably denture prosthetic frameworks. Keywords: Implant Abutment, PEEK, CAD/CAM, Emergence profile.

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Abstract

A fibrous or flabby ridge is a superficial area of mobile soft tissue affecting maxillary or mandibular alveolar ridges. It develops when a hyperplastic tissue replaces the bone, often seen in long-term denture wearers and clearly related to residual alveolar ridge resorption. The prevalence studies have shown that it most commonly affects the upper anterior region in denture wearers and affects edentulous maxilla (24%) and edentulous mandible (5%) when alveolar bone is replaced by hypertrophic soft tissues.1 The displacement of this mobile tissue occurs easily during impression making causing distortion and also during mastication resulting in loss of peripheral seal.2 Although these movable tissues does not provide good retention but should be recorded to ensure good support.3,4 Also, when the new denture is adjusted into the mouth, patient’s complains of pain caused by compression of tissues between the denture and the bone. Therefore, the intaglio surface of the dentures or the surface from where pressure is transmitted should have maximum possible area to reduce pressure on the oral mucosa. During impression making this mobile tissue should be recorded without distortion using special techniques that would provide for adequate retention, stability and support in a complete denture.5 Flabby ridges have also been reported in cases with maxillary complete dentures opposing mandibular natural teeth. In 1972 Kelly described the term “ combination syndrome to the changes in patients wearing maxillary complete dentures opposing mandibular anterior teeth.6 The case presented here describes a special technique for such tissues for successful esthetic, functional and phonetic rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with maxillary anterior flabby tissue since conventional muco-compressive and muco-static impression techniques are not suitable for such cases, as the displaceable soft tissue exhibits ‘recoil’ upon compression.7 Keywords: Flabby tissue, Window technique, Combination syndrome.

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