Guided-welded approach planning using digital scanning technology for combined screw- and conometric-retained...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Digital Dentistry

Background:

• Immediate loading of implant-supported full-arch restorations is a common procedure.
• Traditional retention methods include screw or conometric retention alone.
• Virtual planning using digital scanning offers enhanced precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the 2-year clinical outcomes of immediately loaded full-arch restorations using combined screw and conometric retention.
• To assess the efficacy of virtual planning with digital scanning technology in this context.

Main Methods:

• A case series of 12 patients with maxillary restorations.
• Computer-guided flapless implant placement (72 implants total).
• Immediate loading with intraorally welded frameworks, virtually planned for combined retention.

Main Results:

• High implant survival rate of 98.6% at 2 years.
• No major prosthetic complications reported (e.g., mobility, fractures).
• Minimal complication: one instance of prosthesis chipping.

Conclusions:

• Combined screw and conometric retention is a viable alternative for immediate implant restorations.
• Virtual planning with digital scanning technology facilitates successful immediate loading.
• This technique provides a stable and predictable treatment option.