Computer-assisted surgery and intraoral welding technique for immediate implant-supported rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla: case report and technical description

Background Complications are frequently reported when combining computer assisted flapless surgery with an immediate loaded prefabricated prosthesis. The authors have combined computer-assisted surgery with the intraoral welding technique to obtain a precise passive fit of the immediate loading prosthesis. Methods An edentulous maxilla was rehabilitated with four computer assisted implants welded together intraorally and immediately loaded with a provisional restoration. Results A perfect passive fit of the metal framework was obtained that enabled proper osseointegration of implants. Computer assisted preoperative planning has been shown to be effective in reducing the intraoperative time of the intraoral welding technique. No complications were observed at 1 year follow-up. Conclusions This guided-welded approach is useful to achieve a passive fit of the provisional prosthesis on the inserted implants the same day as the surgery, reducing intraoperative time with respect to the traditional intraoral welding technique. Copyright (C) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.