immediate conversion surgery (teeth in a day)

This surgical and prosthetic technique allows for the placement of implants and delivery of a provisional fixed prosthetic on the same day. In advance of the surgical date a complete denture is fabricated for the arch that is to be treated. On the surgery day any remaining teeth are removed, the implants are placed and the steps are taken to attach the denture to the implants. The denture is modified so that is does not cover the roof of the mouth and is worn for the entire healing period.

Benefits

• palate free on the upper

• significantly more comfortable than wearing a complete denture during the healing period

• healing proceeds quicker since there are no denture sore to contend with

• better able to assess esthetics, phonetics and tooth position than with a complete denture

Drawbacks

• requires excellent homecare to keep the prosthetic clean

• risk of prosthetic fracture during the healing period as the temporary prosthetic is unsupported acrylic

• temporary prosthetic may feel strong but is only design to chew soft foods

• food debris can accumulate where the prosthetic meets the gums

• the conversion surgery day can be quite long for the patient