Implant Placement and Immediate Final Rehabilitation

A preliminary cast was used to define the position of the temporary implants (Fig. 14). A wide-spaced tri- angular configuration serves best for appliance stabi- lization. These temporary implants must not be placed where the definitive implants are anticipated. They are critical for maintaining stability, precision and control throughout the whole process. For their placement, holes are drilled into the existing denture (Fig. 15). A probe is then passed through these holes and into the mucosa to mark the desired position (Fig. 16). Temporary 11 mm long small diameter screw implants with ball attachments are then placed transgingivally in those locations (Figs. 17 and 18). EDI Case Studies 7 Fig. 14 Markings for the temporary implants. Fig. 15 Existing denture with drill holes for positioning. Fig. 17 A twist drill is used to place the temporary implants trans- gingivally. Fig. 18 Temporary implants in situ. The broad-based triangular configura- tion is clearly visible. Fig. 16 A probe is used to transfer the positions for the temporary implants to the patient’s mouth (puncture incision).