31. Full-Arch All-on-6 Rehabilitation: Overcoming Severe Bone Atrophy and Flabby Tissue
Case Summary
A female patient in her 60s presented with a complete inability to function with her existing dentures. Having relied on removable prosthetics for a long period, she suffered from:
Severe Alveolar Bone Atrophy: Chronic pressure from ill-fitting dentures had led to extreme resorption of the supporting bone.
Flabby Gum Syndrome: The presence of hyperplastic, mobile soft tissue (flabby gums) in the anterior segments made it impossible for any denture to achieve stability.
Nutritional and Social Impairment: The patient struggled with eating and was highly self-conscious about the frequent displacement of her dentures while speaking.
OPG - BEFORE
INTRA ORAL - BEFORE
Treatment Objectives
Definitive Fixed Restoration: To replace unstable removable dentures with a rigid, implant-supported fixed solution.
Management of Flabby Tissue: To address the mobile soft tissue to ensure a healthy and stable interface for the final bridge.
Structural Bone Reinforcement: To place implants in strategic locations with optimal bone density to support full-arch loads.
Aesthetic and Functional Recovery: To restore the patient's vertical dimension, facial support, and masticatory power.
INTRA ORAL - AFTER
Treatment Approach
The case was managed with a systematic full-arch protocol:
Surgical Phase (All-on-6): Six dental implants were strategically placed in both the maxillary and mandibular arches. This "All-on-6" configuration provides a robust foundation, allowing for a fixed bridge that mimics the function and feel of natural teeth.
Soft Tissue Management: During the surgical and healing phases, the "flabby" hyperplastic tissue was carefully managed to create a stable, non-mobile mucosal environment around the implant components.
VDO & Aesthetic Reconstruction: The patient’s vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) was re-established to restore her natural facial profile. The final bridges were designed to provide optimal lip support, which had been lost due to bone resorption.
Final Delivery: Precision-milled, full-arch zirconia bridges were delivered. These restorations provide the strength necessary for a full range of mastication while offering a highly aesthetic, natural-looking result that remains securely in place.
The patient has experienced a profound life transformation, moving from the constant frustration of mobile dentures to the absolute confidence and comfort of fixed, implant-supported teeth.
