Endosseous blade implants 483

side of the mandible between the cuspid and the wisdom tooth (Fig. 11-62), and the site was closed with simple surgical ties (Fig. 11-63) .

Less than 1 week later the tissue around the implants was almost entirely healed (Fig. 11-64). Both upper and lower porcelain-fused-to-metal full arch dentures were temporarily inserted so that the patient could test them for pain resulting from pontic impingements on the soft tissues. This is very important, since sometimes the pain experienced from impingement is far worse than any pain produced by a faulty implant.

Fig. 11-64. The implant site 5 days later. Considerable healing has taken place.

Fig. 11-65. Upper and lower restorations cemented in place.

Fig. 11-66. The anterior, left, and right lateral views of the completed case.