Presenting Clinical Problem

A patient from the Ferntree Gully area presented with severe oral health challenges, including multiple missing teeth and compromised bone support.

• Tooth Loss: Seven maxillary teeth had been lost due to longstanding periodontal disease.
• Bone Deficiency: Radiographic assessment confirmed significant bone resorption in the upper jaw, with loss worsened by a cyst.
• Prosthetic Limitation: Previous advice suggested a removable denture as the only replacement option.
• Functional Limitation: The patient reported impaired chewing ability and reduced oral function, with limited treatment alternatives presented before referral.

The clinical objective was to rebuild bone structure, restore stability with dental implants, and provide a fixed implant-supported prosthesis to replace multiple missing teeth.

Treatment Plan & Clinical Process

A staged approach was required to ensure predictability of both surgical and restorative outcomes.

• Phase 1: Diagnostic & Stabilisation
  CBCT scans and periodontal charting were undertaken to assess residual bone and disease activity. Periodontal treatment was completed to control gum inflammation, ensuring a healthy environment before grafting and implant placement.
• Phase 2: Bone Grafting
  Guided bone regeneration was performed to rebuild maxillary bone volume. This was necessary to compensate for cyst-related resorption and provide an adequate base for implant integration. The grafted area was allowed to heal under close review.
• Phase 3: Implant Placement
  Following sufficient healing, three implants were strategically placed to support a future bridge spanning the edentulous segment. Surgical placement was guided by CBCT analysis to optimise angulation, distribution, and prosthetic planning.
• Phase 4: Prosthetic Rehabilitation
  An implant-supported bridge was fabricated to restore the missing seven upper teeth. The bridge was designed for even occlusal loading, natural appearance, and long-term stability. Interim prosthetics ensured function throughout treatment.

The full process spanned approximately six months, with deliberate intervals between surgical and restorative phases to promote integration and durability.

Clinical Outcome

The case achieved the intended restorative and functional objectives.

• Bone grafting successfully increased ridge volume, providing a predictable foundation for implant placement.
• All three implants osseointegrated successfully, supporting the final bridge.
• The implant bridge restored chewing efficiency and eliminated reliance on a removable denture.
• A balanced, natural-looking smile line was achieved, harmonising with adjacent dentition.

The treatment demonstrated how complex cases with severe tooth and bone loss can be managed effectively through a combined surgical-restorative approach, ensuring both stability and functional restoration.