Endosseous blade implants 491

(Fig. 11-89). Once these were satisfactory, the splint and the temporary cement in the holes in the teeth were removed.

Color-coded, plastic-headed screw threads were inserted labially through the teeth and screwed in until they perforated the lingual surface of the gold splint. They were then backed out labially until they did not extend beyond the lingual surfaces of the splint. A full lower plaster index was taken, including only the lingual surface of the splint. The tray had a labial cut-out so that the color-coded screws could be removed before the set cast was taken out of the mouth. The plaster index included both the crowns and the splint.

The castings and splint were soldered together and once more tried in the mouth. The prosthesis was then processed (Fig. 11-90). This case was unusual in that the bridge was processed before implant insertion. Prefabricated bridges are no longer necessary when using blades as the abutments.

An incision was made in the left posterior quad-rant for the implant (Fig. 11-91) . The blade was inserted in the grooved bone (Fig. 11-92) and tapped into position. The site was then closed (Fig. 11-93). A lumen was made in the corresponding pontic and the prosthesis was fitted in position.

Five days later the prosthesis was taken off in order to remove the sutures. Final adjustments were

Fig. 11-91. The tissue covering the implant site was incised to expose the underlying bone.

Fig. 11-92. A long shallow implant was used because of the lack of bone.

Fig. 11-93. The sutured site.

Fig. 11-94. The finished prosthesis in place with the screws inserted.