Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, India
Received Date: 18/04/2022; Published Date: 26/04/2022
*Corresponding author: Dr. Neha Mukhopadhyay, Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, India
Rehabilitation of a distal extension situation against maxillary edentulous ridge poses a challenging condition for the prosthodontist. Proper maintenance of function and aesthetics is difficult in these cases. Conventional fixed partial denture or implant-supported prosthesis is sometimes not feasible for distal extension cases due to unfavourable condition. In this case report, rehabilitation of a mandibular distal extension situation opposing a completely edentulous maxillary arch is described using removeable prosthesis using precision attachment.
Keywords: Distal extension; Attachment; Kennedy Class I; Preci-Vertex
Successful prosthetic rehabilitation not only requires careful attention and meticulous treatment planning but also requires rehabilitating adequate aesthetics and function. Prosthodontic treatment options for replacement of missing dentition include Removeable Partial Denture (RPD), Fixed Partial Denture (FPD), and implant prosthesis. Rehabilitation of partially edentulous arch is a challenge, especially when it is a distal extension situation classified under Kennedy’s class I and class II situations [1]. Occlusal rehabilitation of distal extension case becomes even more difficult when it is opposing an edentulous arch.
For a distal extension situation, a fixed partial denture cannot be fabricated because of missing distal abutment. Implant-supported prosthesis can be planned, but it is sometimes not feasible due to unfavourable bone condition. In such situation an acrylic partial denture or a cast partial denture is largely preferred. Cast partial dentures are made retentive by the use of direct and indirect retainers and precision attachment components [2].
Attachments in prosthodontics could be extracoronal and intracoronal. Attachment-retained cast partial dentures facilitate both esthetic and functional replacement of missing teeth. Studies by various authors have shown a survival rate of 83.35% for 5 years, of 67.3% up to 15 years, and of 50% for upto 20 years [3,4].
This article describes a case report of a patient with mandibular bilateral distal extension Kennedy’s class I condition which is prosthetically restored by a cast partial denture retained using an extracoronal castable precision attachment (Preci-Vertex attachment system) against a maxillary single complete denture.
A 59-year-old female patient reported to the Department of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge of Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research with missing mandibular molars bilaterally (Figure 1: Showing Pre-operative Extraoral view). She gave a history of hypertension.
Clinical Procedure:
Lab Procedure:
Clinical Procedure:
Cast Partial Denture (CPD) Design and Fabrication:
Wax-Up Trial:
Prosthesis Insertion:
Figure 1: Pre-operative- extra oral view.
Figure 2: Pre-operative- intra oral view.
Figure 3: Brodrick’s occlusal plane analyser.
Figure 4: Tooth preparation to receive pfm crowns wrt 34,35,44,45 followed by cord packing done prior to impression.
Figure 5: Laboratory wax up for joint metal coping with attachment.
Figure 6: Metal trial with male component of attachment.
Figure 7: PFM crown with male component attached wrt 34,35,44,45.
Figure 8: Cast partial denture framework trial done.
Figure 9: Complete try-in.
Figure 10: PFM crown with male component luted, cast partial denture with female component.
Figure 11: Maxillary and mandibular final prosthesis insertion - intra - oral.
Figure 12: Post-operative-intraoral frontal view (esthetics and occlusion restored).
Precision attachment is a connector which consists of two or more parts. One part is connected to a tooth, root, or implant and the other part to the prosthesis providing a mechanical connection between the two. These attachments allowed prosthesis to combine the advantage of both fixed and removable restorations [5]. Dr. Herman Chayes who first reported the invention of attachment in the early 20th century [6].
GPT-9 defines precision attachment as a retainer consisting of a metal receptacle (matrix) and a closely fitting part (patrix); the matrix is usually contained within the normal or expanded contours of the crown on the abutment tooth/dental implant and the patrix is attached to a pontic or a removable partial denture.
Semiprecision attachment is defined as a laboratory fabricated rigid metallic patrix of a fixed or removable partial denture that fits into a matrix in a cast restoration, allowing some movement between the components; attachments with plastic components are often called semiprecision attachments even if prefabricated (not laboratory fabricated) [7].
Attachments give a removable prosthesis the exceptional feature of improved aesthetics, less postoperative adjustments, and better retention and improved comfort. (Figure 12: Showing esthetics and occlusion rehabilitation)
It is mostly indicated for long-span edentulous arches, distal extension bases, and nonparallel abutments [8]. There is a wide range of attachments available for different prosthodontic rehabilitation procedures from partial dentures to implant-supported prosthesis. By analysing study models and X-rays, the clinician can make several important points of determination, each of which will influence final attachment selection. Construction of such attachment require skill from dental technicians which cannot be acquired easily and needs training. The parts of the attachment are usually exposed to wear and tear and needed to be replaced over time [9].
PRECI VERTEX attachments system used in the case discussed in this article is extracoronal castable attachment positioned on the distal end of the crowns as an extension allowing a lot of vertical space. It is a very small attachment and requires minimal space. It provides optimal aesthetics with patient satisfaction. It is 4.5 mm height and may be reduced by 1 mm. The castable male component can be easily shaped together with the crowns during waxing-up stage avoiding complicated adaptation procedures like welding a metal attachment after crown casting. The male component design is cylindrical in shape with a flat head. The female component contains retentive nylon caps which are color-coded according to different retentive properties. Replaceable plastic female is available in three retention levels (white, yellow, red) and is incorporated directly into the framework. These nylon caps are replaceable and can be changed after wearing off.
Attachment retained removable prosthesis are a viable treatment modality for patients who cannot afford or are contraindicated for implant supported fixed prosthesis. However, lack of proper knowledge of the use of these attachments and inadequate training in this field leaves patients devoid of this treatment option [10].