The use of a computerized tomography-based software program with a flapless surgical technique in implant dentistry: a case report.

Abstract

Successful implant treatment includes osseointegration, as well as prosthetically optimal positions of the implants for esthetics and function. The aim of this study is to evaluate a patient that was treated with an implant-supported fixed prosthesis with the help of computer-assisted three-dimensional planning. A 52-year-old edentulous man underwent computerized tomographic (CT) scanning, and the cross sections were reformatted. The cross sections were used to construct a surgical guide. Eight ITI Straumann dental implants were placed using a series of supramucosal surgical stents. Following a 5-month healing period, the stability of the implants was confirmed with the use of an Osstell device. Because satisfactory stability was observed, implant-supported fixed partial dentures, incorporating 12 units in all, were made. After 6 months, a second CT evaluation was carried out and the positions of the implants were compared with the treatment planning data. The CT-based software program and surgical stents contributed to the success of this case.