Total digital workflow in the fabrication of a partial removable dental prostheses: A case report

Abstract

This report describes a clinical and laboratory protocol used in the fabrication of a removable partial dental prosthesis with a digital workflow in a 73-year-old patient. The metal framework was produced with a selective laser melting technique. For quality assurance and discrepancy analysis, the framework was superimposed and compared to the respective digital design file, and the printed model was also compared to the digital impression and rendered as a 3D colour map. Differences were detected in the framework on the clasp of tooth 17 (upper right second molar) and on the printed model on the interproximal surfaces of the abutments, particularly on tooth 17 and palatine area. The use of this digital workflow allowed for the achievement of an removable partial dental prosthesis with a good fit and occlusion with minimal adjustments, with the reduction of both clinical and laboratory time. Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of these techniques.