Create a Great Impression and Reduce Stress

I was treating a patient recently and came across a common problem. Fortunately, I already had a solution based on trial and error.

When capturing a final impression for an immediate denture, the exiting mobile teeth present a significant challenge if you want to use a VPS impression material.

I have tried many block out materials over the years but finding one that is simple to place and stay retained during the final impression has been disappointing.

I now mix up a loose mix of irreversible hydrocolloid material, place it in a plastic syringe that I have cut half the tip off. I syringe it into all the space under the bridge, mold it with my finger into place, and let it set.

I then seat the custom tray with the VPS material and capture the impression. My stress level is way down removing the impression and the alginate block out material is still in place and easy to remove.

MaryAnne Salcetti, DDS, PC, Spear Education Visiting Faculty. [ www.maryannesalcettidds.com ]