Immediate loading of the edentulous mandible: Delivery of the final restoration or a provisional restorationǃÓwhich method to use?

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Immediate loading of the edentulous mandible: Delivery of the final restoration or a provisional restorationǃÓwhich method to use?
September 2004
Paulino Castellon, DDS * *
Michael S. Block, DMD ǃÜ
Michael B. Smith, DDS ǃ?
Israel M. Finger, DDS, MS ¨?
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Online
Abstract
Purpose Edentulous patients desire restoration of their chewing ability as soon as possible after placement of dental implants. The purpose of this article is to provide clinicians with evidence that immediate loading of implants placed into the anterior mandible can predictably provide the patient with early functional rehabilitation. Two methods are presented that illustrate delivery of the final restoration or a provisional implant-borne prosthesis immediately after implant placement.
Materials and methods A literature search was performed which produced 14 articles in the English literature that provided sufficient evidence that immediate loading is now not experimental and can be recommended as an acceptable treatment alternative.
Results Two practical methods to achieve immediate function are presented in a step-wise manner to illustrate how to deliver this service to the patient.
Conclusion Based on our literature review, immediate loading of the edentulous mandible with an implant-borne restoration is an acceptable and predictable method to deliver efficient return of function for the edentulous patient.
Publishing and Reprint Information
*Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA
ǃÜProfessor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA
ǃ?Resident, Department of Prosthodontics, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA
¨?Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA
*Address correspondence and requests to Dr Castellon: Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, 1100 Florida Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Copyright ¨© 2004 by American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2004.06.040
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