A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING AND USING A STENT FOR AN IMPLANT PATIENT

摘要

This invention is a clear thermally deformable surgical or diagnostic stent (1) which can be fitted to a fully or partially edentulous ridge and the surrounding tissue surfaces, and a method of producing and fitting stents using their thermally deformable characteristics. It includes a kit comprising a matched pair of a clear thermally deformable surgical or diagnostic stent (1), an identical thermally deformable interim or temporary denture (10), and a method of producing and fitting the stent and denture using their thermally deformable characteristics. The stent (1) and denture (10) are formed from a doughy mixture of a plasticized liquid monomer and a methyl methacrylate polymer in a ratio of 1:3-3.5 parts by weight. When heated to a temperature above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C), the stent (1) and denture (10) are malleable, and may be molded in the mouth or on a model of the patient to attain an approximation of the tissue surfaces.