Use of a cross-mounting buccal index to help transfer the spatial relationships of an interim prosthesis to the definitive implant-supported prosthesis

This article describes a new method for the fabrication of an index for definitive implant abutment selection, framework design, and fabrication. After the interim removable restoration is esthetically and functionally accepted by the patient and dentist, it can be used as a surgical guide during implant placement as well as a guide for abutment selection, framework design, and fabrication. The concepts used in the fabrication of the cross-mounting buccal index include having a reference point, maintaining the vertical dimension of occlusion, and supplying the ability for cross mounting. This procedure allows the clinician to use a duplicate of the interim restoration to select the abutments and fabricate the framework without a new denture setup. It also accelerates both patient chairtime and laboratory time, and it enhances the prosthodontic outcome.