FIXED HYBRID PROSTHESIS – CARY, NC

Dentures that Feel More Natural Than Ever

A complete smile is a precious asset. Not only can it enable you to eat a robust diet, but it can also help you feel confident in social situations. If you have lost some or most of your teeth, conventional dentures may be able to help — but they have some significant limitations. That is where dental implants — specifically, a fixed hybrid prosthesis — comes into the picture. A “Fixed Hybrid Prosthesis” is a premium dental restoration that replaces all teeth in the upper jaw or lower jaw. This treatment has significant benefits in comparison to conventional dentures and has a workflow with diagnostic, surgical, and restorative components.

BENEFITS OF A FIXED HYBRID PROSTHESIS

Benefits of a fixed hybrid prosthesis include:

• Definitive solution for persistent dental problems such as extensive tooth decay, severe gum disease with bone loss, and/or numerous missing teeth.
• Predictable due to technological advances in digital diagnostic planning.
• “Fixed”, screw-retained restoration anchored on 5 or more dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone. Therefore, avoid the inconvenience of a full denture that needs to be inserted and removed daily.
• “Hybrid” concept allows immediate placement of “teeth in a day” in the form of a screw-retained temporary denture that is delivered at the same visit as implant placement. Later, this denture is converted into a screw-retained Zirconia bridge.
• High Strength allows eating hard foods with confidence and no dietary restrictions.
• Esthetic and realistic appearance since Zirconia mimics enamel better than plastic denture teeth.
• Proven track record of success with 15-year history originating at UNC School of Dentistry.

GETTING STARTED WITH DIAGNOSTICS

The treatment planning process for a fixed hybrid prosthesis begins with a thorough evaluation by Dr. Koch. After he has the opportunity to examine your mouth, he will be able to talk to you about your options for restoring a complete, functional smile. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect during this stage of your treatment journey:

• CBCT (i.e., 3D X-ray of jawbone) by oral surgeon or periodontist.
• Intraoral digital scans of teeth and bite, digital photos of teeth and smile, 3D face scan by Dr. Koch.
• Merging of all diagnostic data in proprietary computer software to plan implant placement and surgical guides by Dr. Koch, oral surgeon/periodontist, and dental laboratory.

SURGICAL Treatment by Oral Surgeon or Periodontist

Following the diagnostic/planning stage, you will undergo a dental implant surgery. Dr. Koch works with trusted local oral surgeons and periodontists for this part of your treatment process, thereby contributing to the most predictable treatment outcomes for patients. The surgical process includes:

• Sedation for patient comfort.
• Extraction of all teeth in upper and/or lower jaw.
• Bone grafting or bone contouring as needed.
• Placement of 5 dental implants in upper and/or lower jaw.

RESTORATIVE Treatment by Dr. Koch

Following your surgery, Dr. Koch will begin the restorative phase of your treatment.

• Screw-Retained Temporary Denture placed immediately after surgery (i.e., “teeth in a day”).
• After a 4-month healing period, a “conversion” process that replaces the temporary denture with the definitive screw-retained zirconia bridge.
• Bite adjustments and follow-up visits as needed to confirm patient comfort and satisfaction.