Keys to achieving successful restoratively-driven implant placement with CAD/CAM surgical guide: A technical note

Dentistry has been flooded by digital technologies such as cone-beam computed-tomography (CBCT), and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and stereolithography. Recently, computer-guided implant placement by using a CAD/CAM surgical guide has become a popular treatment modality as it permits flapless implant placement that provides some advantages such as faster recuperation, less post-operative pain and swelling. Yet, the computer-guided implant placement is a technique sensitive procedure involving many diagnostic and therapeutic events. The sum of small mistakes in both digital workflow and actual surgery may cause overall diminished precision. The objectives of this report are to portray the technique in which a CAD/CAM surgical guide and flapless approach was used to restore an edentulous mandible and to alert inexperienced clinicians and/or post-graduate residents about the critical steps from digital workflow to actual surgery. Also, recommendations regarding CAD/CAM surgical guides are provided to avoid or minimize surgical and restorative complications.