Provisional implants: surgical and prosthetic aspects

Although numerous technological advances have improved the ability of implant practitioners to successfully reconstruct dental implants, providing patients with teeth during the immediate postsurgical period has remained problematic. One solution has been the development of temporary implants. Such provisional implants eliminate the need for a tissue-borne prosthesis that may interfere with the healing of the submerged conventional implants and/or grafting material. This article describes the methodology for placing immediate provisional implants. Three alternative approaches to fabrication of the temporary prosthesis are discussed, and the results of 12 cases are reviewed.