An implant-supported prosthesis is the artificial tooth or teeth attached on top of a dental implant; that is, the implant replaces the “root” of the missing tooth in the bone, while the prosthesis is the visible tooth part on top of it. Depending on the number of missing teeth, the state of the mouth and the plan, there are several types of implant-supported prosthesis: a crown that replaces a single tooth, a bridge that replaces several teeth, a full-arch fixed prosthesis that restores an edentulous jaw, and an implant-supported removable (overdenture) prosthesis. In addition, a prosthesis can be attached to the implant in two different ways — with a screw (a screw-retained prosthesis) or with cement (a cement-retained prosthesis). None of these types is “best” for everyone; which one is suitable is a clinical decision made together with the dentist, based on the number of missing teeth, the state of the bone, aesthetic expectations and hygiene. Below we explain, even-handedly, the types of implant-supported prosthesis, their methods of fixation, and the factors that decide the choice.
What is an implant-supported prosthesis?
An implant-supported prosthesis is the visible part of a system made up of three parts. The first is the dental implant itself, placed into the jaw bone and replacing the root of the missing tooth (made of titanium, sometimes zirconia). The second is the part called the abutment, which acts as the connector between the implant and the prosthesis. The third is the prosthesis itself, attached on top of the abutment — that is, the visible artificial tooth, bridge or removable prosthesis. The prosthesis is placed once the implant has fused with the bone (osseointegration). The type of prosthesis depends on how many teeth are being replaced and on how it is attached. In other words, the “implant” is the root and the “prosthesis” is the tooth on top — and this article is about that upper part, the types of prosthesis.
- A dental implant is the part placed into the jaw bone that replaces the root of the missing tooth.
- The abutment is the intermediate part that connects the implant and the prosthesis.
- The prosthesis is the visible artificial tooth, bridge or removable restoration attached on top of the abutment.
- The type of prosthesis depends on the number of missing teeth, the state of the bone and the method of fixation.
Types of implant-supported prosthesis (by number of teeth)
Implant-supported prostheses differ first of all by how many teeth are being replaced. The table below simply presents the main types. The point of the table is not to show any type as the “best” — each type is suitable in a certain situation, and the dentist makes the choice according to the clinical situation.
| Type | What it replaces | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Crown on a single implant | A single missing tooth — one implant with one crown on it | Restores a single tooth without touching the neighbouring healthy teeth; fixed (non-removable). |
| Implant-supported bridge | Several adjacent missing teeth — a bridge on a small number of implants | Restores several teeth without a separate implant under each tooth; fixed. |
| Full-arch fixed prosthesis (hybrid) | All the teeth in a jaw — a fixed full prosthesis on several implants | Restores an edentulous jaw in a fixed way; plans such as All-on-4 / All-on-6 belong here. |
| Implant-supported overdenture | An edentulous jaw — a removable prosthesis anchored to several implants | Holds better than a conventional denture; the patient can remove it for cleaning. |
Screw-retained and cement-retained: how it is attached
An implant-supported prosthesis can be attached to the abutment in two main ways. This often depends not on the appearance of the prosthesis but on how it is held, and both methods have their advantages; which of them is chosen is decided by the clinical situation.
- Screw-retained prosthesis: the prosthesis is attached to the abutment by means of a screw. Its advantage is that, if needed, the dentist can easily unscrew and re-attach it (for example, for a check-up or a repair). The screw access hole is usually covered with a tooth-coloured material.
- Cement-retained prosthesis: the prosthesis is bonded to the abutment with a special dental cement. In some cases this can be more favourable aesthetically, because no screw access hole is visible; removing it is more difficult than a screw-retained prosthesis.
- Both methods are widely used, and neither is universally superior to the other. The dentist chooses the suitable method based on the position of the implant, the type of prosthesis and aesthetic factors.
Which prosthesis is suitable for you?
Which type of implant-supported prosthesis is suitable is decided by several factors. The ones most often considered are:
- The number and location of missing teeth: a single tooth, several teeth, or a whole jaw — this decides the choice between a crown, a bridge, a fixed full prosthesis or a removable prosthesis.
- The volume and quality of the bone: the available bone affects how many implants can be placed and which type of prosthesis is chosen.
- Fixed or removable prosthesis: a fixed prosthesis stays in place permanently; a removable one can be taken out for cleaning — the choice depends on hygiene, comfort and the plan.
- Aesthetic expectations: the smile line and the appearance of the gum can affect the choice of fixation method and prosthesis design.
- Hygiene and maintenance: each type of prosthesis has its own way of being cleaned; it is useful to discuss this in advance.
- The overall treatment plan: the number of implants and the type of prosthesis are part of the overall plan, decided together with the dentist.
What to expect?
An implant-supported prosthesis is made on an individual plan, and no type guarantees a particular outcome. With modern methods the prosthesis is often made using a digital impression and CAD/CAM technology, which can help improve the accuracy of the fit. After the prosthesis is placed, proper care — daily cleaning, interdental brushes and regular check-ups with the dentist — matters for longevity. It is perfectly normal to discuss with your dentist which type of prosthesis has been chosen in your case, how it is attached, and how it should be cleaned.
To find out which type of implant-supported prosthesis is suitable in your case, contact Dr. Bakhtiyar Aliyev in Baku.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice or examination. Consultation with a dentist is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.