The Role of the Dental Implant in Removable Partial Dentures

Dental implants, as a helpful adjunct of prosthodontics, may have a key role in retention as well as stability and support of partial dentures, too. Not only being a step back solution after loss of several implants, having been placed for a fixed solution, but also as a less invasive method providing a very comfortable remedy, especially for patients with impaired systemic condition hindering greater surgical interventions. A variety of different attachments or abutments can be used ranging from single standing to splinted or resilient to rigid. Position of the implant to be placed depends on the relevant indication. The main aim is to reduce the length of the edentulous space, move the fulcrum to more distally, and if possible, eliminate a clasp via a suitably positioned dental implant. Implants may additionally offer the advantage of not requiring the use of teeth as prosthetic abutments, thus play a protective role on the remaining natural dentition. It may also be speculated that strategically situated implants may help preserving the residual bone especially around the implants. The indications/contraindications, advantages/disadvantages, and clinical approach related to implant-assisted removable partial dentures is presented in this chapter.