Immediate loading of definitive implants in the edentulous mandible using a fixed provisional prosthesis: The denture conversion technique

Purpose: This article presents a clinical technique for immediate implant loading in the completely edentulous mandible. Materials and Methods: The protocol recommends the placement of 4 to 5 root-form implants in the anterior mandible between the mental foramina. Upon insertion the implants must have favorable primary stability. Abutments are added to the implants and the patient's lower denture is converted into an immediate load provisional fixed prosthesis. Results: The denture conversion technique has been shown to provide predictable results for immediate implant loading in the edentulous mandible. The final prosthesis is fabricated upon integration of the implants in 3 months. Conclusion: The denture conversion technique offers several advantages because it may be used with most commercially available implant systems and it incorporates conventional implant components. Guidelines for patient selection, presurgical preparation, implant surgery, prosthesis fabrication, and postoperative care are reviewed. (C) 2004 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.