Implementation of computer-guided implant planning using digital scanning technology for restorations supported by...

Conometric retention has recently been proposed as an alternative to cement- or screw-retention for fixed restorations. Conometric copings can only compensate for slightly nonparallel placement without interfering with retention. This article describes a method of using digital scanning technology to facilitate computer-guided implant planning when an immediate restoration supported by conical abutments is planned with a guided-welded approach. The procedure involves importing the scan data of the conometric coping and of the definitive cast obtained from the surgical template into the implant planning software. This approach increases the accuracy of computer-guided implant planning and reduces the time needed for the surgery.