Computer-assisted implant placement. A case report: treatment of the mandible.

The authors present a case of immediate loading of mandibular implants using a 5-step procedure. The first step consists of building a scannographic template, the second step consists of taking a computerized tomographic (CT) scan, and the third step consists of implant planning using SurgiCase software. The final 2 steps consist of implant placement using a drill guide created by stereolithography and placement of the prosthesis. Using a CT scan-based planning system, the surgeon is able to select the optimal locations for implant placement. By incorporating the prosthetic planning using a scannographic template, the treatment is optimized from a prosthetic point of view. Furthermore, the use of a stereolithographic drill guide allows a physical transfer of the implant planning to the patient's mouth. The scannographic template is designed so that it can be transformed into a temporary fixed prosthesis for immediate loading, and the definitive restoration is placed 3 months later.