The periodontists at our practice in Worcester place many dental implants each year for a variety of indications. Often our periodontists would recommend immediate provisionalization of the dental implant and work with the referring dentist and patient to implement it into the dental implant placement and restoration workflow.
What is Provisionalization in Dental Implants?
Provisional restorations, unlike their more commonly known counterparts in crown and bridgework, are temporary solutions used during the implant therapy process. They serve several essential functions, such as evaluating aesthetic, phonetic, and occlusal aspects before the final restoration is placed. Additionally, they help in preserving and enhancing the condition of the peri-implant and gingival tissues, which are crucial for the longevity and success of the implant.
Benefits of Dental Implant Provisional Restorations
- Aesthetic and Functional Evaluation: Provisional restorations allow us to assess the visual and functional outcomes of the implants before the final restorations are completed. This includes ensuring that the implants look natural, support speech properly, and align correctly with the bite. It also makes patients feel more comfortable leaving the dental office without any teeth apparently missing.
- Tissue Preservation and Enhancement: They also play a key role in maintaining or improving the condition of the surrounding gums and soft tissues, which is vital for the overall health of the implant site.
- Communication Tool: Provisional restorations act as a bridge between the patient and the entire treatment team, facilitating clear communication and allowing for adjustments as needed throughout the treatment process.
Key Factors in Designing Provisional Restorations
A well-designed provisional restoration is based on three primary factors:
- The Ultimate Restorative Plan: Understanding the final goal of the treatment helps in creating a provisional restoration that aligns with the desired outcomes.
- Number and Location of Implants: The design must consider the specific number and placement of the implants to ensure optimal function and aesthetics.
- Patient Needs and Desires: Patient preferences and specific requirements are crucial in tailoring the provisional restoration to meet individual expectations.
Options for Provisional Dental Implant Restorations
One common option is a removable partial acrylic denture. This type of restoration is simple to construct, cost-effective, and easy to adjust or repair. It can replace missing teeth and provide necessary lip support, making it a versatile choice for many patients. For those undergoing staged treatment with serial extractions, these dentures can be particularly beneficial, as they can be modified to include new teeth as needed.
Another increasingly popular option is the Essix appliance. This prosthesis avoids many disadvantages associated with partial dentures. It consists of an acrylic tooth or the patient’s own extracted tooth bonded to a clear vacuform tray, which is made from an accurate cast of the arch before extractions. It fits over the adjacent teeth like a night guard or retainer, offering excellent protection for the underlying soft tissue and implants during the healing phase.
If you are looking for a dental implant specialist in Worcester that can place implants for single and full-arch restorations with immediate provisionalization, our periodontist would be glad to help.