Thomas J. Balshi TJB

The conversion of the patients transitional denture occurs at the time of the second surgery, the abutment connection visit. This conversion prosthesis is obtained by transforming the patient's transitional removable interim denture into a fixed prosthesis and is used by the patient until complete healing has occurred and the sutures are removed. It is accomplished by connecting the gold alloy cylinders, supported by the osseointegrated fixtures to the denture, followed by radical modification of the tissue-bearing areas of the removable denture.

If the patient is comfortable with the occlusion and aesthetics of the conversion prosthesis, the same format can be duplicated in the final restoration. At the casting try-in, or placement of the final restoration, the conversion prosthesis is removed and retained for future reference. Should additional treatment be required, this prosthesis can be easily modified, allowing change with the final prosthesis to occur without requiring the patient to rely on the use of a removable appliance. Patient comfort, aesthetics, phonetics, and function are all very distinct advantages for using a conversion prosthesis.

Quintessence International 10/1985