Flipper/Stayplate/Bridge Temporary Implant Bone Graft Facts

Pressure from a removable temporary can cause “dehiscence”  which is the incision line opening in the bone graft becoming exposed…YIKES!!  This is the worst thing that can happen to any type of bone graft whether it be a sinus lift bone graft, block bone graft, GBR with membrane, socket extraction preservation graft.

Types of fixed temporaries include:

  1. Temporary fixed bridge  (example on this post)
  2. Temporary Maryland bridge
  3. Screw retained directly to implant (immediate tooth)

Temporary teeth made by Dr. Amin
Temporary teeth made by Dr. Amin

Removable temporaries include:

  1. Stayplate (flipper)     (most risky)
  2. Essix bridge

If you have a removable temporary over a dental implant bone graft, you must remove it nightly…and DONT CHEW ON IT!!

For this case I removed and existing fixed bridge which had problems and extracted 2 teeth.  With my trios digital scanner I fabricated a virtual workup and milled/printed teeth to be used for several months while the implant/bone graft process is being done.  These are made of PMMA which is strong and durable especially for a long span temporary like this.  They can keep you looking good throughout the process.

I have noticed that many dental implant practitioners use the flipper/stayplate all the time.  This is my at least favorite although sometimes I have to use it but it is definitely my at least used!

Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry

12 thoughts on “Flipper/Stayplate/Bridge Temporary Implant Bone Graft Facts”

  1. I have an abscess on a lower front tooth. The dentist said I have bone loss and was not sure an implant would take. She recommends a flipper as permanent solution! What do you think?

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  2. I have an abscess on lower front tooth. I was told I had bone loss and was told an implant may not take and wants to do a flipper for permanent solution! What do you think?

    Reply
  3. I need 23-26 pulled and a bridge from 22-27 with a bone graft with membrane. Will i get a temp thay same day? And do bridges that big usually hold up well? I

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  4. I had 3 of my upper back teeth front last tooth down so no one could see it. Done 2 months ago having the implant 7 months from the extraction is that ok? And do I need a retainer through this whole process like flex partial upper? All together I will be without teeth for 10 months. I also get prolia for my osteoporosis.have to work around that. Also do you advise the plasma using my blood for the implant healing process ?

    Reply
  5. Another question . So I had my tooth extracted #9 and a bone graft I got my braces 3 days after extraction and bone graft , they placed a fake tooth on my braces wire . Is that bad ? Will it make my bone graft fail ? I just want to know what’s the worst case that can happen in my case

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  6. Dear Dr. Amin,

    2 weeks ago I had an extraction of the upper front tooth (21) since the root was broken.
    The intention is to put an implant there.
    At the time of the extraction the doctor did a socket preservation. He said the area was not infected. Afterwards he sutured the extraction area with self-eliminating thread and placed a temporary bridge on teeth 22, 21 and 11. The bridge does not press on the preserved socket, since it sits on the neighbouring teeth.
    2 weeks after, the sutures are still there, the outer gum hurts if slightly press the area, the inner gum near tooth 21 is reddish and a bit swollen, there is a pulling/throbbing sensation and when I swallow or press it with my tongue it feels very tender and a funny-tasting liquid comes out.
    Is this normal?

    Reply

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