FP3 implant-supported restorations

FP3 generally refers to a fixed full-arch implant restoration that replaces both the teeth and a significant amount of lost soft tissue. It includes artificial gingival replacement and is commonly designed as a hybrid-type prosthesis, for example using a metal, titanium, or Co-Cr framework with acrylic or composite, or as a monolithic zirconia full-arch restoration.

Within the FP3 category you have multiple options. Monolithic, with facial cut-back, with thimble, with Split bar.

This page describes the main DentalDB setup options relevant for FP3 restorations in exocad. The exact setup may vary depending on the case configuration, selected components, and user preferences.


Monolithic	Facial cut-back	Thimble	Split bar

Step-by-step

Monolithic

The monolithic option keeps the restoration in full contour without creating space for veneering material. The restoration is designed as a single-piece structure according to the selected workflow.

Open the DentalDB Application and create a new project. Then, define the job for individual teeth as usual. Select the tooth number and under Work Type, select Anatomic pontic for the pontics. Then, to design the gingiva, under Options and Parameters, Additional design steps in wizard? select Virtual gingiva.
Then, select Anatomic crown for the implant positions and under Options & Parameters, Implant based? select Screw retained. Under Additional scans? choose the Scan Body Scan type. Under Additional design steps in wizard? select Virtual gingiva. Additionally, with Cervical adaptation, choose between Pull to margin or Preserve tooth library shape. Click Ok and apply the same selection to the other teeth.
Select the antagonist teeth as well. Then, Save the project and click Design to open DentalCAD.

Facial cutback

The facial cutback option is used to reduce the facial surface of the restoration and create space for veneering material. The amount of cutback can be adjusted depending on the design requirements of the case.

Open the DentalDB Application and create a new project. Then, define the job for individual teeth as usual. Select the tooth number under Work Type, and select Reduced pontic for the pontics. Also, under Additional design steps in wizard? select Virtual gingiva.
Then, select Coping for the implant positions and under Options & Parameters, Implant based? select Screw retained. Under Additional scans? choose the Scan Body Scan type. Under Additional design steps in wizard? select Virtual gingiva. Additionally, with Cervical adaptation, choose between Pull to margin or Preserve tooth library shape. Click Ok and apply the same selection to the other teeth.
Select the antagonist teeth as well. Then, Save the project and click Design to open DentalCAD.

Thimble

The thimble option is used to create reduced, preparation-like crown structures that serve as the supporting geometry for a subsequent restoration. In implant bridge workflows, these thimble crowns act as primary structures on the framework and are designed to receive separate single-unit crowns or a suprastructure, depending on the restoration concept.

The Thimble option is only available when the selected tooth library supports thimble reduction. Libraries that typically provide this option include Generic, Exofan, and Inspira. If the option is unavailable, use Choose Library Tooth to select a compatible library.

Open the DentalDB Application and create a new project. Then, define the job for individual teeth as usual. Select the tooth number under Work Type, and select Reduced pontic for the pontics. Also, under Additional design steps in wizard? select Virtual gingiva and Thimble crown.
Then, select Coping for the implant positions and under Options & Parameters, Implant based? select Screw retained. Under Additional scans? choose the Scan Body Scan type. Under Additional design steps in wizard? select Virtual gingiva and Thimble crown.
Select the antagonist teeth as well. Then, Save the project and click Design to open DentalCAD.

Split Bar

Look at the following dedicated pages for Split Bars:

This page shows how to use the Split Bar feature with DentalCAD. It enables the design of a suprastructure and the underlying bar in one workflow, then automatically splits the design into two precisely fitting parts.

This page shows how to use the Split Denture Bar workflow in PartialCAD. It enables the design of both the bar framework and suprastructure in a single workflow, then automatically separates them into two precisely matching parts.

Common questions

1. If I am not using scan bodies but titanium bases on the model, which option should I select in DentalDB?

In this case, when setting the tooth as implant-supported, go to Additional scan, expand Scan Body Scan, and select Do not use Scan Body.

2. How can I angulate the screw channel during design?

The screw channel angulation is available in the Abutment Bottoms processor, in the Advanced tab under Angulated screw channels. You can access this processor during the Wizard workflow or in Expert mode. In Expert mode, right-click to open the context menu and select Abutment Bottoms.

3. If I started with a monolithic (Anatomic) implant-supported restoration and later I realized there is a screw channel coming out in the facial part of the tooth and angulation is not enough, can I create a thimble crown only for that tooth without starting over?

Yes. You do not need to start over. Before generating the wax-up, switch to Expert mode. On the Main toolbar, click Tools and select Change Reconstruction Type. Then click the tooth you want to modify and change its reconstruction type from Anatomic to Coping and click OK to confirm. Next, right-click the relevant tooth and select Anatomic reduction. In the Cutback Design Library, select the thimble option. If the thimble option is not available, the selected tooth library does not support thimble reduction. In this case, use Choose Library Tooth - exocad to switch to a compatible library. Libraries that commonly support this option include Generic, Exofan, and Inspira. After that, continue with the reduction design as usual.

4. For thimble design, how do I design the crowns over the structure?

After you merge and save the restorations, the next step offers the option Design thimble suprastructure now. Select this option and click Next to start designing the thimble crowns. You can also enter expert mode, right-click the context menu, and select the option Define Thimble Crown Margin.