Use of 3 transitional implants as stabilization aid for predictable immediate loading of implants in the edentulous mandible.

Definite location of the surgical guide is critical to success in prosthetically driven implant dentistry. In edentulous mandibles, precise location of the surgical guide is difficult because of limited nonmobile surfaces. When surgical flaps are raised, this further reduces surfaces for locating the surgical guide. A technique is described in which 3 transitional implants are used to precisely locate the surgical guide then aid in relating the provisional restoration for immediate loading of the implants. Advantages of the technique are described and compared to other methods of locating the surgical guide.