A Simple Technique for Placing Extraoral Implants at an Optimal Position in Orbital Defects

Translucent acrylic templates have been used to indicate implant positions for implant-retained extraoral prostheses; however, this procedure can be challenging, as the acrylic templates have to be positioned onto reflected skin flaps. The fabrication of an acrylic-based colorless template or duplicating an existing prosthesis can facilitate the location of extraoral implants. Spots can be created on templates to indicate the optimal position of the implants. Afterward, punching the skin to the bone with a very thick sharp needle or a small sharp bur will mark the desired implant position on the bone before reflecting the skin.