Use of provisional prostheses with osseointegration.
The ingenuity that has characterized the fabrication of provisional prostheses has been readily adapted to the osseointegration technique. Implant abutments do not need protection during final prosthesis fabrication stages as teeth do. However, compelling arguments can be made in favor of esthetic, comfortable, and functional provisional prostheses supported by implants, even if they are worn for only a few weeks. The prosthodontic contribution to a patient's quality of life throughout all stages of treatment is thereby enhanced.