What is Staged Implant Therapy?

Many patients prefer a fixed, full-arch solution without a denture or All-on-X. Staged implant therapy uses your existing teeth to support temporary crowns, then replaces teeth with implants in phases - always keeping you fully dentate.

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When all of a patient’s teeth are failing but dentures aren’t an option, we perform “staged therapy.” First, every tooth is prepared and fitted with a full-arch temporary splint (Fig. 1). Next, select teeth are extracted and replaced with implants, while the remaining teeth continue to hold the temporary (Fig. 2 & 3). In Stage II, abutments are seated on existing implants, the remaining teeth are extracted, and implants placed (Fig. 4). Finally, a permanent fixed splint is secured on all implants (Figs. 5 & 6).

Fig. 1: Failing Teeth Briefly Used to Hold a Temporary Splint

Fig. 2: Stage Ia Temporary Splint Providing Aesthetics and Function

Fig. 3: Stage Ib Three Teeth Extracted and Replaced with Implants

Fig. 4: Stage II Abutments Seated in Implants to Hold the Temporary, Remaining Teeth Extracted and Replaced

Fig. 5: Stage III All Implants Restored with a Permanently Fixed Final Splint

Fig. 6: Final Splint in Place Over Full Arch Implants

Patient’s Story

When Mrs. C came for her evaluation and consultation, all of her upper teeth were decaying and in danger of breaking. At that time, she stated that, under no circumstances, did she want to wear a denture or have an All-on-X procedure. She wanted the security of a fixed appliance. With that in mind, we proposed and carried out her upper reconstruction as “staged therapy.”

Stage I: Clean up the decay on all of her remaining upper teeth, prepare them (Fig. 1) and insert an aesthetic temporary splint (Fig. 2). This was followed by the strategic extraction of several teeth, replacing them with implants, while the remaining teeth held the temporary bridge (Fig. 3).

Stage II: Previously inserted implants have abutments inserted and connected to the temporary splint (Fig. 4). The remaining teeth are then extracted with implants replacing them.

Stage III: The remaining implants are restored with additional implant abutments and the final crowns (Figs. 5 & 6).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is staged implant therapy?

A phased approach where temporary crowns support function while teeth are replaced by implants in stages, avoiding dentures.

Will I have teeth at all times?

Yes. Temporary splints remain in place on existing teeth and implants until the final fixed splint is seated.

Is this more expensive than All-on-X?

Costs vary, but staged therapy can be comparable and avoids removable dentures, offering more security.

How long does the process take?

Typically 3-4 months, depending on healing, imaging, and fabrication timelines.