Subperiosteal implants 561

more frequently by Linkow. Its advantage is that it can be molded into position, and when it sets it can be used as the tray itself since it sets harder than rubber base.

The tissue is sutured and the denture fitted (Fig. 12-76) and postoperative instructions are given to the patient, including the use of saline rinses, ice-packs, and analgesics. Because of a more adequate blood supply, the palatal tissues heal more rapidly than do the tissues covering the mandibular bone. About 6 days later the sutures are removed, and the patient's old denture is again hollowed out and relined with a soft tissue conditioning material. This prevents dropping of the palatal tissue.

The master stone cast is poured and articulated from the surgical bone impression (Fig. 12-77) and the implant cast (Fig. 12-78). About 3 to 6 weeks after the first surgical stage,

Fig. 12-76. The tissues were sutured together.

Fig. 12-77. Note the knife-like ridge of the maxilla seen on the master stone model.

Fig. 12-78. The maxillary implant fits accurately over the duplicate bone model. The superstructure framework was fabricated the same time that the substructure was cast.

Fig. 12-79. The implant was fitted over the exposed bone. It must fit accurately.