Rehabilitation of a Pier Abutment Using a Custom Stress-Breaking Non-Rigid Connector in a Long-Span Fixed Partial Denture: A Clinical Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55995/qdk6qg31Keywords:
Pier Abutment,, Non-rigid Connector,, Fixed Partial Denture, Key-keyway Connector, Stress BreakerAbstract
Background:
Rehabilitating long-span partially edentulous arches with pier abutments in fixed prosthodontics is biomechanically challenging. Rigid connectors can concentrate stresses, causing retainer debonding, porcelain fracture, and prosthesis failure due to abutment teeth mobility. Limiting prosthesis component mobility and stress transmission with a non-rigid connector reduces stress. This paper describes clinical rehabilitation of a maxillary pier abutment using a custom key-keyway non-rigid connector in a metal-ceramic fixed partial denture.
Case presentation:
A 63-year-old woman came with missing teeth and had problems with mastication. Missing teeth 14, 16, 25, 26, and 27 and pier abutment tooth 15 were clinically present. A custom key–keyway non-rigid connector on the mesial pier abutment was planned for a five-unit porcelain-fused-to-metal fixed partial denture from teeth 13 to 17. A six-unit fixed partial denture from teeth 23–28 followed. Prostheses used DMLS and Type I glass ionomer luting cement. Outcome: Prostheses had good marginal adaptation, passive adjustment, functional occlusion, and esthetics. At 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months, we found stable occlusion, healthy periodontal tissues, no retainer loosening, connector failure, or ceramic fracture. Patient mastication and satisfaction improved.
Clinical Importance:
A custom key-keyway connector on a pier abutment reduces biomechanical stress. Clinical performance of long-span fixed partial dentures improves.
References
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