Consent For a Dental Implant Bridge Restoration

A dental implant bridge is a restorative dental procedure that involves replacing one or more missing teeth with dental implants and an implant-supported ceramic bridge.

The process includes both a surgical and restorative phase. It includes several steps, such as:

1. Evaluation and treatment planning: Examination of oral health, review of medical history, and assessment for suitability for dental implants is done. Radiographs and CBCT imaging are needed to evaluate the condition of your jawbone and surrounding structures. Additional information are collected such as: gum health, esthetic parameters, bite parameters; health of the remaining teeth.
   
   
2. Bone Grafting Procedures: The need for bone grafting procedures and the timelines for various surgical procedures are determined by the implant surgeon
   
   
3. Implant placement: The dental implants, which are titanium alloy posts, are surgically placed by the implant surgeon into the jawbone. The number of implants required depends on the number of missing teeth and the quality of your bone.
   
   
4. Healing and integration: After implant placement, there is a healing period known as osseointegration, during which the bone fuses with the implants. Complete osseointegration takes a few months and the implant surgeon will assess successful osseointegration before the restorative process starts.
   
   
5. Abutment placement: Once the implants have integrated with the bone, healing abutments are attached to the implants. At this stage, the prosthodontist will start the restorative process for the fabrication of the dental prosthesis.
   
   
6. Provisional Implant Bridge: For all esthetic implant cases (involving front teeth and where the smile parameters are important), a provisional bridge is fabricated. This is done for the following reasons: it allows shaping and healing of the tissues around the planned prosthesis, provides a prototype of what the final bridge will look like, allows modifications to be done before for final bridge is fabricated, allow patient to be part of process and discussions in final design, etc. This is an acrylic material and has limited shades.
   
   
7. Final ceramic bridge fabrication and placement: The ceramic implant bridge is connected to the implants with customised titanium alloy abutments. The bridge is made of a high strength zirconia ceramic and is custom digitally designed and fabricated. It is then secured onto the abutments, restoring the appearance and function of the missing teeth.

For the restorative consent process, the following points are important:

1. Purpose and benefits: The implant bridge is recommended to improve esthetics and function. It provides a fixed restorative solution to also improve overall quality of life.
   
   
2. Procedure details: Understand that there are various stages of the treatment, including the surgical placement of the implants, healing period, and the final bridge placement. Depending on the need for bone grafting procedures, the overall treatment timeline can extend to up to 10-12 months.
   
   
3. Risks and potential complications: Potential future complications for an implant bridge includes: Loss of the small filling that cover the prosthetic screws that holds the implant bridge in place, screw loosening, ceramic fracture. Careful design and execution of the clinical process is in place to minimize potential future complications. A protective occlusal splint for night time wear is recommended following implant bridge fabrication.
   
   
4. Alternatives: Alternative treatment options were discussed: a removable partial denture; which is a removable prosthesis with a chrome cobalt metal framework. Based on the individual case, an implant supported removable partial denture may be considered.
   
   
5. Maintenance and aftercare: Implant bridges require proper maintenance and care to ensure their longevity. Good home care oral hygiene practices, the use of a water flosser around the bridge and regular dental check-ups are recommended to ensure the longevity and success of the implant bridge.
   
   
6. Costs and insurance coverage: The following is our office policy:

• Your dental insurance plan contract is strictly between the patient and the insurance company.
  
  
• Our office cooperates with patients in providing a treatment plan and a fee estimate.
  
  
• This fee estimate is the same whether a patient has insurance coverage or not.
  
  
• The fees quoted may not be the same as those used by the insurance company in their payment to you.
  
  
• Payment of the quoted fee is the direct responsibility of the patient.
  
  
• Forms required by the insurer can be completed by our office.

This form acknowledges that you have understood the information provided and have made an informed decision to proceed with the implant bridge treatment. It's important to have open communication with your dental care provider, ask any questions you may have, and ensure you feel comfortable with the proposed treatment plan before giving your consent.

I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the prosthodontic implant hybrid prosthesis and the risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with it. I understand the nature of the prosthetic procedure and its potential complications, and I consent to the procedure.