implants0112

I case report Fig. 13_Occlusal view of the overdenture in place at ten weeks post-placement. Fig. 14_Buccal view of the overdenture in place. Fig. 15_Occlusal view of the locators six months post-placement. Fig. 16_Buccal view of the locators six months post-placement. Fig. 17_Retorquing the locators to 30 N six months post-placement. Fig. 18_Retorquing the locators to 30 N six months post-placement. Fig. 19_Retorquing the locators to 30 N six months post-placement. Fig. 20_Retorquing the locators to 30 N six months post-placement. Fig. 21_Final panoramic radiograph six months post-placement. 4-0 vicryl, the processing rings were placed over the locatorsandwerepickedupdirectlyinthemouthus- inghardself-curingacrylic(RebaseII,Tokuyama;Figs. 7 & 8). The patient was given post-operative instruc- tions, including the use of 0.12 % chlorhexidine glu- conate (Peridex, Procter & Gamble) three times a day. She was furthermore prescribed 500 mg of amoxi- cillin (to be taken every six hours for seven days). The patient was then informed that the implant-sup- ported overdenture was to be left in place for 48 hours. Two days later, she was seen for a follow-up visit and the healing process was uneventful. The blackprocessingringswereswitchedtoblueringsten weeks after the placement (Figs. 9–14). _Follow-up and maintenance After six months, the patient returned for another follow-up visit and all four locators were torqued to 30N(Figs.15–21).Itwasdeterminedthatallfourim- plants had achieved full integration. Currently, the patient is on a six-month recall to ensure the proper maintenance of the implants and the prosthesis. The last maintenance visit was 24 months post-place- ment and all implants have maintained healthy soft tissue and a stable bone level. _Clinical relevance With a higher demand by patients for immediate implant placement and loading, the use of tapered implants can help achieve quick, economic and pre- dictableresultswithouthavingtousearigid(bar)at- tachment,sincetheyaprovidehighdegreeofprimary stability._ Editorial note: A complete list of references is available fromthepublisher. 20 I implants1_2012 Fig. 17 Fig. 18 Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Fig. 16 Fig. 13 Fig. 20 Fig. 21Fig. 19 Dr Suheil M.Boutros Periodontal Specialists of Grand Blanc 8185 Holly Road,Suite 19 Grand Blanc,MI 48439,USA sboutros@umich.edu _contact implants