Research progress on the design of fixed implant-supported prostheses in edentulous jaws

With the aging of the population and the increase in the number of edentulous patients, implant-supported fixed restorations have become more prevalent in clinical treatment. It is necessary to assess the patient's remaining bone and occlusal situation correctly; the upper jaw usually needs 6 to 8 implants, whereas the lower jaw needs 4 to 6 implants. Patients with severe alveolar bone atrophy can adopt the "all-on-4/6" treatment plan, short implants, and zygomatic and pterygomaxillary implants to avoid complex bone grafting and remain cautious when the surgical procedures require more surgical experience. According to the repair methods, the superstructure can be divided into one-piece repair and segmental repair. One-piece repair has a lower implant number, flexible location, and reasonable stress distribution but a high maintenance cost. Sectional repair easily achieves passive placement, convenient cleaning, and maintenance in the late stages, but implants need quantity and high requirements for alveolar bone. However, the requirements for alveolar bone and implant number are high. Mutually protected occlusion with minimal or no cantilever on provisional prosthesis is recommended.