PURPOSE: An image-guided system has been developed to drill a conventional surgical guide following a preoperative three-dimensional plan for accurate placement of implant on bone. The aim of this study is to illustrate how this system facilitates treatment of completely edentulous patients by modifying both surgical and prosthetic protocols, thereby making flapless surgery possible as well as the preparation of the transitional prosthesis before surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This system was tested on 10 consecutive patients, placing all planned implants without raising the mucoperiosteal flap and with the connection of all implants to pre-angulated abutments. RESULTS: A 1-year follow-up demonstrated stable and properly functioning prostheses in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: This technique can be expected to flourish because implantology makes the highest demands on comfort, precision, and safety.
PURPOSE: An image-guided system has been developed to drill a conventional surgical guide following a preoperative three-dimensional plan for accurate placement of implant on bone. The aim of this study is to illustrate how this system facilitates treatment of completely edentulouspatients by modifying both surgical and prosthetic protocols, thereby making flapless surgery possible as well as the preparation of the transitional prosthesis before surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This system was tested on 10 consecutive patients, placing all planned implants without raising the mucoperiosteal flap and with the connection of all implants to pre-angulated abutments. RESULTS: A 1-year follow-up demonstrated stable and properly functioning prostheses in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: This technique can be expected to flourish because implantology makes the highest demands on comfort, precision, and safety.