Providing an interim complete denture for an implant-supported fixed prosthesis: A dental technique

Area of Science:

• Dental prosthetics
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Fixed complete dentures supported by 4 implants are common for edentulous patients.
• Acrylic resin components of these dentures can degrade and wear over time, necessitating replacement.
• Metal frameworks in implant-supported dentures offer superior structural integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a technique for fabricating an interim prosthesis.
• To provide a temporary solution for patients awaiting refurbishment of their definitive implant-supported denture.
• To address material degradation and wear issues in fixed complete dentures.

Main Methods:

• Duplicating an existing implant-supported prosthesis.
• Adding peripheral flanges to the duplicate to create a removable complete denture.
• Relining the interim denture for patient use.
• Refurbishing the definitive prosthesis by a dental laboratory technician.

Main Results:

• The described technique allows for the creation of a functional interim prosthesis.
• This method utilizes the existing implant denture as a template, ensuring a degree of fit.
• It provides a viable interim replacement during the refurbishment of the definitive prosthesis.

Conclusions:

• The technique offers a practical approach to managing interim prosthetic needs for edentulous patients with implant-supported fixed dentures.
• It addresses the clinical challenge of acrylic resin wear and degradation by providing a temporary, functional restoration.
• This method facilitates the continued care of patients while their definitive prostheses undergo laboratory refurbishment.