ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to describe a new technique to fabricate and deliver an implant-supported fixed prosthesis to the patient on the day of surgery, and to propose a protocol for the prosthodontic and dental laboratory procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The development of the Brånemark Novum prosthodontic protocol is reviewed, and clinical and dental laboratory assessments and methods are described. RESULTS: The total treatment time to fabricate a permanent implant-supported fixed prosthesis in the mandible can be reduced to 1 day with the Brånemark Novum technique. The new method includes a precise surgical technique using drilling templates for predetermined implant positions, a rigid splinting of the implants immediately after placement, the use of a prefabricated titanium framework, and elimination of implant impression procedures. CONCLUSION: With the technique described in this report, it is possible to provide patients with a permanent implant-supported fixed prosthesis in the mandible on the day of implant surgery. Patient benefits are obvious, with drastically reduced total treatment time, lower cost, and fewer clinical visits.
