Using transitional implants as fixation screws to stabilize a surgical template for accurate implant placement: A clinical report

This article describes a method of using transitional implants as surgical fixation screws to orient a surgical template predictably during the placement of implants in the anterior mandible for an implant-supported bar-retained overdenture. Ridge reduction, transitional implant placement, implant placement, and removal of the transitional implants were completed in a single surgical appointment. Details of the template fabrication, incorporating transitional implants and surgical techniques, are described.