title: A simplified protocol for the immediate loading of the edentulous arch.
abstract: Restoring dentitions with dental implants is an extremely gratifying procedure for the dental professional. However, the traditional approach of delayed loading requires surgical, prosthetic and patient management gymnastics, often necessitating extended treatment over one year, with multiple relines of fixed provisional restorations or even long periods with removable prostheses. The purpose of this article is to outline a simplified protocol for the immediate loading of the edentulous arch. By adhering to this protocol, the dental team can provide patients with an immediate functional, esthetic and fixed restoration, thereby avoiding the multitude of issues associated with delayed loading and enhancing patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: American Board of Periodontology, USA.
authors.forename: Paul S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Apfel
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kopman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D003761:Dental Impression Technique; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003794:Dental Restoration, Temporary; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003825:Denture, Complete, Immediate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation*