Fit discrimination of implant-supported fixed partial dentures fabricated from implant level impressions made at stage I surgery.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The implant level impression can shorten the overall time frame of implant treatment.

PURPOSE OF STUDY

The purpose of this study was to analyze the accuracy of fixed partial dentures constructed from impressions taken at implant installation surgery in partially edentulous dogs. The study compared the fit of welded titanium fixed partial dentures with that of cast gold alloy fixed partial dentures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three implants were placed on each side of the mandible in six adult greyhound dogs during stage I surgery. Impressions were taken of the implant positional relationships and two types of fixed partial dentures were fabricated for each side of the mandible. Stage II surgery was performed after 3 months.

RESULTS

Both types of fixed partial dentures compared favorably with the fit of implant-supported fixed partial dentures in the edentulous jaw or traditional cast fixed partial denture frameworks.

CONCLUSIONS

Impressions taken at implant installation surgery provide a valid transfer of information for the laboratory fabrication of the final restoration when the implants are placed to fulfill the requirements of primary stability.