Fabrication of a maintenance template for fixed complete denture

Abstract

Use of a fixed complete denture is a well-recognized treatment for edentulous patients. However, during the lifetime of the prosthesis routine maintenance is required, whether it be for hygiene maintenance or because of biological and mechanical complications. Such complications may include implant loss, marginal bone loss, mucositis, peri-implantitis, abutment screw loosening, screw fractures, acrylic resin base fractures, and framework fractures.When these complications occur, the retrieval of the prosthesis can be challenging if the position and trajectory of the access openings are not ideal. This can result in excess removal of the original composition of the prosthesis. Excess removal can be detrimental to the prosthesis when access openings project close to, or into, the facial and occlusal surfaces under functional load. Removal of the original acrylic resin or porcelain structure surrounding the access openings should be minimized to reduce the risk of potential fracturing and to increase the longevity of the prosthesis. This article describes a simple and inexpensive technique that facilitates removal of the prosthesis in a clean and conservative manner. The advantages of this maintenance template are that (1) it provides a clean and conservative access to the screws, (2) it provides proper angulation for access of the screws, and (3) it allows the access openings to be filled with any appropriate polymeric material of ample thickness in areas that may be weakened at the screw access and acrylic resin interface, especially if the access openings projection encroaches facial, incisal, and load-bearing areas.