Stereo laser-welded titanium implant frameworks: clinical and laboratory procedures with a summary of 1-year clinical trials

A new technology for implant framework fabrication (Procera) has been introduced to North America after initial clinical trials in Sweden. This technique is unique because it eliminates the conventional approach to framework fabrication with the lost wax casting technique. Clinical and laboratory procedures associated with the Procera technique are described in this article, as are the most recent developments in this rapidly emerging technology. A report of 1-year results of the first 10 patients treated with the Procera technique at the University of Washington is described. Treatment outcome has been favorable, with no clinical evidence of prosthodonic or soft-tissue complications noted. All 50 of the implants placed in the 10 patients remain integrated after 1 year of service. The Procera technology offers an alternative to current conventional framework fabrication techniques. Continued follow-up of this patient series is pursued to explore the treatment outcome for a longer interval of time.