A New Protocol for Immediate Functional
Loading of Dental Implants

TJ Balshi and GJ Wolfinger

Recognizing the significant advantages offered by immediate loading, the authors have developed a new protocol. In this protocol the prosthodontist fabricates a custom provisional restoration prior to surgery. Immediately after the last implant is placed, this previously constructed provisional prosthesis is converted into an immediate implant-supported nonremovable prosthesis. This technique allows placement of the implants in the proper position for each individual patient, followed by customization of the provisional restoration before surgical flap closure. The patient wears this restoration during the healing period, which gives the treating dentist the opportunity to evaluate the aesthetics, phonetics, and functional loading during the normal osseointegration healing period. When compared with traditional implant-placement protocols, this protocol offers patients a number of significant advantages: 1) The number of office visits required is minimal; 2) The condensed treatment time benefits patients who must travel long distances; 3) It offers instantaneous improvement in speech, aesthetics, and self-image; 4) The overall dental experience becomes a positive one.

Dentistry Today, Volume 20 No 9, September 2001