title: Treatment of completely edentulous patients with fixed implant-supported restorations: three consecutive cases of simultaneous immediate loading in both maxilla and mandible.
abstract: This article aims to: (1) describe the treatment of three consecutive completely edentulous patients with fixed implant-supported restorations, including simultaneous same-day immediate loading with fixed provisional restorations in both jaws; and (2) illustrate a step-by-step definitive restoration approach. All patients followed the same diagnostic protocol. One surgical intervention was performed for simultaneous implant placement in both maxilla and mandible. Following implant placement, all patients received a simultaneous, same-day, complete-arch, screw-retained provisional restoration in both jaws according to the "pickup" technique. After healing, final impressions were taken, and occlusion recorder devices were prepared on working casts. For the first occlusal record, the "half-provisionals" method was used. Definitive solid abutments were used for both laboratory and clinical procedures. After casting and finishing, the frameworks were tried in, and a new occlusal record was made. The definitive segmented restorations consisted of four fixed partial dentures in the maxilla and three in the mandible and were cemented with provisional cement. All patients received a nightguard. The pickup technique facilitated simultaneous immediate loading in both maxilla and mandible. A complete, fixed, segmented rehabilitation supported by six to eight anteroposterior implants is a reproducible treatment for completely edentulous patients when optimal anatomic conditions are present.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland. german.gallucci@medecine.unige.ch
authors.forename: German O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Gallucci
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Urs C
authors.initials: UC
authors.lastname: Belser
mesh_terms: D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D003761:Dental Impression Technique; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D003831:Denture, Partial, Immediate; D006801:Humans; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation*