Using computer-guided implantology in flapless implant surgery of a maxilla: a clinical report

The current notion in implantology is to utilize techniques that can provide function, aesthetics and comfort with a minimally invasive surgical approach. The flapless implant surgery has been suggested to fulfil these requirements. Traditionally, the flapless implant surgery was performed by using a tissue punch technique, which may be potentially harmful because of the inherent blindness of the technique. Today, computer software programs and 3D radiographic techniques, such as CT technology, have been developed to provide the practitioner with precise implant placement planning. Although this sophisticated approach has many advantages, transferring this information to the surgical phase has only recently been developed. The purpose of this paper was to introduce a more predictable flapless approach for treatment of a patient's maxilla through principles of computer-assisted implantology.