FP1 vs. FP2 vs. FP3 Dental Implants When planning a full-arch case, the decision is never just about placing implants; it’s about how the final restoration will look, function, and feel in the patient’s mouth. That’s where the FP1, FP2, and FP3 classifications come in. These categories help clinicians, and their referral partners, choose the right prosthetic design based on how much hard and soft tissue remains, guiding us toward the most natural and sustainable outcome.
FP1 is the most conservative option. It’s used when the patient still has adequate gum and bone, allowing the prosthesis to mimic natural teeth without replacing visible soft tissue. The advantage is esthetics and hygiene: Patients can brush and floss almost like they would with natural dentition. Phonetics are also very natural, since tooth proportions stay close to normal. The catch is that it requires a relatively intact ridge, which not every full-arch patient presents with. FP2 comes into play when gingival levels are uneven or there’s moderate bone loss. The prosthesis replaces the crowns of the teeth and some of the missing tissue, creating a longer- looking restoration. This strikes a balance: It allows us to level the smile line and restore esthetics while maintaining simple hygiene protocols. Patients may need to adapt to slight differences in speech or cleaning techniques, but overall comfort is high. FP3 is the go-to when there’s significant tissue loss. Here, both teeth and soft tissue are replaced in the prosthesis, often with pink ceramic or acrylic mimicking gum structure. It’s the most transformative option, restoring facial support and esthetics in cases where collapse has occurred. FP3 can achieve dramatic results, but it also requires the most patient education, since hygiene involves water flossers and specialized cleaning methods rather than conventional brushing alone. The goal is to balance esthetics, phonetics, and hygiene while setting realistic expectations. By matching the restoration type to the patient’s anatomy, we can provide not only a beautiful smile, but also a solution that is comfortable, maintainable, and built to last.
JacksonvilleDentalSpecialists.com · 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator