Laboratory and prosthetic considerations in computer-guided surgery and immediate loading

Purpose: This article describes the laboratory and the prosthetic steps required for the fabrication of the provisional immediate load prosthesis used in guided surgical treatment protocols. Materials and Methods: NobelGuide software (Nobel Biocare, Gothenburg, Sweden) was used to fabricate a surgical guide. The surgical guide in turn was used to develop a master model and fabricate the provisional bridge that will be secured to the implants immediately after their placement using the guided surgery template. Results: Using this protocol, the fabrication of the provisional fixed prosthesis for immediate loading patients using the NobelGuide software was possible. The fit of the prosthesis to the implants required minimal adjustment. The patients were able to achieve a comfortable centric occlusion needing only minor adjustments following the securing of the prosthesis to the implants. Conclusion: This protocol allows for the predictable fabrication of provisional immediate load prosthesis. (C) 2007 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.