Simultaneous Virtual Planning Implant Surgical Guides and Immediate Laboratory-Fabricated Provisionals: An Impressionless Technique.

Abstract

Abstract Since the emergence of dental implants as treatment modality, there has been a constant evolution to improve the accuracy, efficiency and long term success even in the most complicated cases. In this day and age, patient's expectations are higher than ever to achieve their desired treatment in a prompt and convenient manner. To meet these expectations implant therapy has grown to be highly sophisticated. For the past decade, computed tomography (CT) scans have been utilized to improve the treatment planning process. Further more they have been used to fabricate surgical guides, making implant placement not only more accurate but also safer. On the other hand, advancements in the implant prosthetics now have made immediate restorations more feasible. This article reviews two cases, where dental implants are based through a CT fabricated surgical guide, and immediately restored with a lab fabricated screw retained bridge. This novel technique utilizes intraoral digital scanner instead of the conventional alginate impression and combines the electronic data with the CT images to fabricate both the surgical guide and the immediate provisional restoration.