Implant Laboratory Procedures

Implant Laboratory Procedures

• Mandibular two-implant overdentures improve denture retention, stability, and patient satisfaction, especially in cases of significant mandibular bone resorption.
• Patients often present with unsatisfactory existing dentures with worsened fit, retention, and comfort due to bone resorption.
• Key diagnoses include edentulous maxilla or mandible, severe bone resorption in the mandible, and ill-fitting dentures.
• Clinical exam reveals significant mandibular ridge resorption.
• Radiographic imaging (e.g., panoramic radiographs or CT scans) assesses available bone for implant placement.
• A treatment plan considers two implants for overdenture retention, or multiple implants for a fixed prosthesis.

Procedure Overview

• Diagnostic Casts: Well-extended alginate impressions create diagnostic casts accurately representing the patient's anatomy for surgical and prosthetic planning.
• Custom Impression Trays: Custom trays precisely capture implant sites and adjacent tissue impressions, ensuring accurate prosthesis fit.
• Implant Placement: Two implants are placed in the anterior mandible between the mental foramina, guided by patient anatomy and bone structure.
• Healing and Osseointegration: A healing period (e.g., 12 weeks) allows for implant osseointegration (bone bonding). Healing abutments are positioned to shape the soft tissue surrounding the implants.
• Definitive Intraoral Impression: After osseointegration, a definitive impression is taken utilizing Locator abutments (specifically for overdenture retention). These abutments provide resilience and ease of use.
• Master Cast and Occlusion Records: A master cast is produced from the definitive impression; record bases and occlusion rims are constructed to determine the future prosthesis's vertical dimension and alignment.
• Wax Denture Try-In: A wax denture is created and tested in the patient's mouth to check fit, aesthetics, and function.
• Final Denture Processing and Insertion: The final overdenture is processed, adjusted, and securely attached to the Locator abutments.

Follow-Up and Maintenance

• Locator attachments are commonly used because of their durability and ease of maintenance. They provide a stable connection between the denture and implants, enabling comfortable speaking, eating, and smiling.
• Regular follow-up appointments monitor implant/prosthesis health. Attachments might require replacement over time due to wear; however, implant-supported overdentures are generally predictable and long-lasting.