Denture Conversion and Digitally Guided Implant Surgery

The importance of multi-unit abutments. 

The use of multi-unit abutments is HIGHLY recommended if not mandatory. While it is possible to make a screw-retained prosthetic direct to the implant interface, it is very difficult to establish implant placement that facilitates a 100% passive seat. The use of multi-abutments ensures the passive seating of the prosthetic. It is important to plan on the use of multi-abutments from a cost standpoint. If you do not plan on the expense for multis, you will have to absorb the expense and extra appointments to seat and impress the multi-units.

Step 9:  Placing provisional prosthetic 

A. Place provisional onto titanium cylinders and test passivity of fit.

B. If passive, take the provisional out and put a block-out barrier around the multi-unit bases, rubber dam or similar material is recommended. * If not passive relieve binding areas.

C. Bond the prosthetic to the titanium cylinders.

1. Titanium cylinders should be air-abraded prior to seating.
2. Lightly paint the ti cylinders with a coating of the material that you will be using to adhere the cylinders and the prosthetic. (Use acrylic, or many clinicians recommend EZ PickUp from Sterngold. EZ PickUp is a syringeable, self-curing resin, that bonds to acrylic and is odorless and tasteless.)
3. Fill the screw channels of the prosthetic about half way full from the intaglio side.
4. Place the prosthetic onto the cylinders and hold in place until luting material is cured. Be careful not to allow luting material to cover or fill the driver interface of the screw. (Figure 7)