Flapless implant placement: a technique to eliminate the need for a removable interim prosthesis

Computer-guided flapless surgery for implant placement using stereolithographic templates is gaining popularity. The advantages of this surgical protocol are its minimally invasive nature, accuracy of implant placement, predictability, and reduced time required for definitive rehabilitation. One of the disadvantages, however, pertains to complete arch implant rehabilitation. An existing protocol for complete arch flapless computer-guided implant surgery necessitates the patient to be rendered completely edentulous and to wear a removable complete denture for varying periods of time. This may be objectionable to the patient. This article illustrates a technique which uses a modified radiographic template to overcome this limitation. The patient may have a tooth-supported or implant-supported fixed interim prosthesis during the entire rehabilitation process.