Traditional prosthetic workflow for implant rehabilitations with a reduced number of fixtures: proposal of a protocol

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe a standardized protocol for the creation of a definitive prosthetic rehabilitation supported by a reduced number of implants, achievable with a limited number of an optimized appointments. The proposed protocol provides only for 4 appointments to finalize the set work. During the first appointment, definitive impressions are taken in order to obtain the master models and plaster bars. The second appointment is the most important: the aesthetic and functional evaluations of the provisional prostheses are carried out and the plaster bars tested. During the third appointment the teeth test is performed, with the corresponding phonetic and functional test. In the fourth appointment the definitive prostheses are delivered and screwed. The fundamental aspect of prosthetic finalization is the simplification and standardization of protocols to obtain better control of all different steps and to reduce the number of appointments with the patient. The realization of a correct definitive prosthesis is the key to long-term success in implant rehabilitation and can improve the patients quality of life in various aspects. By optimising the time and standardising the procedures, it is possible to make definitive prostheses for rehabilitations with a reduced number of implants of excellent quality in only 4 appointments.