Accuracy of Fully Guided Implant Placement Using Bone-Supported Stackable Surgical Guides in Completely Edentulous Patients—A Retrospective Study

TL;DR

This study shows that using bone-supported stackable surgical guides leads to accurate dental implant placement in patients without teeth.

Contribution

The study introduces a bone-supported stackable surgical guide protocol for precise implant placement in edentulous patients.

Findings

The mean angular deviation was 1.25° ± 0.80°, showing high accuracy.

3D linear deviations were 0.96 ± 0.57 mm at the implant neck and 1.07 ± 0.56 mm at the apex.

Depth deviation had a mean discrepancy of 0.37 ± 0.58 mm.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Precise implant positioning is critical for successful prosthetic rehabilitation, particularly in completely edentulous patients where anatomical landmarks are lost. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of implant placement in the edentulous maxilla and mandible using computer-assisted planning and a bone-supported stackable surgical guide protocol. Methods: This retrospective clinical study included 15 completely edentulous patients who received a total of 60 implants. A dual-scan protocol was utilized for planning. The surgical protocol involved a base guide fixed to the bone with pins, serving as a rigid foundation for stackable components used for osteotomy and implant insertion. Postoperative CBCT scans were superimposed onto the preoperative plan to calculate angular deviations, 3D linear deviations at the implant neck and apex, and depth deviations. Results: The analysis demonstrated high accuracy with a mean angular deviation of 1.25° ± 0.80°. The mean 3D linear deviation was 0.96 ± 0.57 mm at the implant neck and 1.07 ± 0.56 mm at the apex. Depth deviation showed a mean discrepancy of 0.37 ± 0.58 mm. All measured parameters were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the pre-established clinical safety thresholds. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the bone-supported stackable surgical guide protocol proved to be a highly accurate method for full-arch rehabilitation. By eliminating mucosal resilience and ensuring rigid fixation, this approach enables predictable implant placement and facilitates the passive fit of screw-retained bar-supported prostheses, representing a reliable alternative to dynamic navigation in daily clinical practice.

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