Mandibular endosseous implant interventions 363

Fig. 9-95. A, The cemented prosthesis. The occlusion as seen from the B, front, C, left side, and D, right side.

Fig. 9-96. A, The titanium implants on the left side. B, The tantalum implants on the right side. Note again, the acrylic saddle areas are not seen.

Case 10

Posterior restorations for a mandible with anterior teeth previously restored with fixed bridgework

Occasionally implants are desired for the posterior quadrants of a mandible in which the remaining anterior teeth have been previously restored with fixed, splinted restorations. Especially in those situations where the restorative work was done exceptionally well, it would be unwise to destroy it, considering the extra financial burden on the patient and the impracticality of unnecessary steps for the dentist.

There are basically two methods of utilizing the preexisting splint for support of the implants. The first method is used for bilateral cases having cantilevered pontics posterior to the last abutment tooth on each side or for a unilateral case having a single cantilevered pontic. The second method is used in a jaw in which no cantilevered pontics exist in the fixed splint. The first method, involving pre-existing cantilevered pontics, will be illustrated by a mandibular restoration case. A maxillary case involving no cantilevered pontics will be included in the following chapter.