Double-coping technique in prosthesis fabrication for osseointegrated teeth implantation: case report

Reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects resulting from trauma, infection, or tumor resection still remains difficult. Although cosmetic improvement was seen in patients who had immediate reconstruction of the mandibular continuity, normal mastication and deglutition could not be achieved by conventional removable dentures. Since 1988, the treatment protocol has been modified to use endosseous root-form implants to support dental prostheses instead of the conventional removable prostheses in these patients. There are 2 types of prostheses that can be constructed over dental implants: (1) a removable implant overdenture and (2) a fixed detachable prosthesis. Although the latter better meets in patients' psychological needs, it may present problems such as phonetic discrepancies, food impaction, difficult home care, and poor esthetics if the patient has a high lip line. In addition, it is not easy to fabricate accurately in the laboratory. To overcome these problems, a case is presented to illustrate the use of another fixed-type prosthesis, a double-coping technique, for fabricating dentures so that any discrepancy between the inner and outer copings can be filled by cement. The technique not only improves the shortcomings of fixed detachable prostheses but also satisfactorily meets patients' desire for normal mastication and deglutition. Follow-up after 4 years showed no significant changes around the implants by clinical and radiographic examinations.