Lesson 1Implant-supported options: single implants, implant-retained FPDs, fixed vs removable implant overdenturesThis section details implant-supported options, including single crowns, implant-retained FPDs, and fixed versus removable overdentures, focusing on indications, design, number and position of implants, and maintenance requirements.
Indications for single implant crownsPlanning implant-retained FPDsFixed implant prostheses designRemovable implant overdenture conceptsImplant number and distribution planningMaintenance of implant-supported prosthesesLesson 2Material selection: metals (precious, non-precious), metal-ceramic, monolithic zirconia, lithium disilicate, acrylic and thermoplastic denture basesThis section examines material selection for fixed and removable prostheses, comparing metals, metal-ceramics, zirconia, lithium disilicate, and denture base polymers in terms of strength, aesthetics, wear, bonding, and clinical indications.
Precious versus non-precious alloysMetal-ceramic indications and limitsMonolithic zirconia indicationsLithium disilicate for anterior aestheticsAcrylic and thermoplastic denture basesMaterial selection based on occlusal riskLesson 3Removable partial denture design principles: Kennedy classification, major connectors, clasp design, stress distributionThis section presents core RPD design principles, including Kennedy classification, major connectors, clasp assemblies, and stress control, integrating biomechanical concepts to improve comfort, function, and long-term abutment health.
Kennedy classification and modificationMajor connector selection criteriaDirect and indirect retainer designClasp type selection and indicationsStress breakers and stress distributionSurveying and path of insertion planningLesson 4Biomechanics of support, retention and stability: tissue-borne vs tooth-borne vs implant-borne prosthesesThis section explains biomechanical principles governing support, retention, and stability in tissue-borne, tooth-borne, and implant-borne prostheses, emphasising load transfer, stress distribution, and long-term biological and mechanical risk control.
Concepts of support, retention, stabilityLoad transfer in tissue-borne prosthesesLoad transfer in tooth-borne prosthesesLoad transfer in implant-borne prosthesesOcclusal scheme and force distributionManaging parafunction and overloadLesson 5Evidence-based considerations for diabetic patients: healing, implant success rates, periodontal controlThis section reviews evidence on diabetic patients, focusing on wound healing, implant survival, periodontal control, glycaemic thresholds, and protocol modifications that improve safety and predictability of prosthetic treatment.
Effects of diabetes on oral tissuesGlycaemic control and healing outcomesImplant survival in diabetic patientsPeriodontal management in diabetesAdjusting surgical and recall protocolsPatient education and medical liaisonLesson 6Fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and adhesive bridges: indications, abutment evaluation, tooth preparation considerationsThis section reviews indications for FPDs and adhesive bridges, abutment selection and evaluation, and key tooth preparation principles that balance retention, resistance, aesthetics, and preservation of sound tooth structure.
Indications for conventional FPDsIndications for resin-bonded bridgesAbutment tooth selection criteriaAssessment of abutment periodontal statusTooth preparation for FPD retainersTooth preparation for adhesive retainersLesson 7Advantages and disadvantages of each option in patients with moderate ridge resorption and periodontal historyThis section analyses pros and cons of fixed, removable, and implant options in patients with moderate ridge resorption and periodontal history, emphasising support, cleansability, aesthetics, cost, and risk of further tissue loss.
Assessing ridge resorption severityImpact of periodontal history on choicesFixed options in compromised supportRemovable options for ridge resorptionImplant options in reduced bone volumeRisk–benefit communication with patientsLesson 8Shared decision-making: balancing aesthetics, function, maintenance, and budgetThis section addresses shared decision-making, teaching how to elicit patient values, present options, and balance aesthetics, function, maintenance, and budget while documenting consent and setting realistic expectations.
Eliciting patient goals and prioritiesExplaining options in plain languageDiscussing aesthetics versus functionMaintenance burden and visit frequencyBudget constraints and phased careDocumenting consent and expectationsLesson 9Hybrid solutions and staged approaches: combined implant-supported and tooth-supported prosthesesThis section covers hybrid and staged strategies that combine tooth- and implant-supported prostheses, including transition from failing dentition, risk assessment, load sharing, and sequencing to minimise invasiveness and treatment interruptions.
Rationale for hybrid prosthetic designsCombining tooth- and implant-supported unitsStaged extraction and immediate replacementTransition from RPDs to implant prosthesesManaging differential support and mobilityLong-term monitoring of hybrid cases
