Accuracy of Computer-Guided Flapless Implant Surgery in Fully Edentulous Arches and in Edentulous Arches With Fresh Extraction Sockets.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of computer-guided flapless implant (CGFI) surgery in edentulous jaws with fresh extraction sockets and compare it to CGFI in fully edentulous jaws.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with a completely edentulous arch (group A) and ten patients presenting natural teeth with a hopeless prognosis in the upper or lower jaw (group B) were consecutively treated with CGFI. A multipiece radiographic guide was fabricated for group B patients. The accuracy was assessed by matching the planning cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with a postoperative CBCT. Global coronal, global apical, angular deviation, and depth deviation were registered.

RESULTS: The mean global coronal deviation for group A was 1.12 ± 0.5 mm, the mean global apical deviation was 1.36 ± 0.7 mm, the mean angular deviation was 3.16 ± 1.8 degrees, and the mean depth deviation was 0.51 ± 0.7 mm. The mean global coronal deviation for group B was 1.28 ± 0.6 mm, the mean global apical deviation was 1.65 ± 0.7 mm, the mean angular deviation was 3.42 ± 1.5 degrees, and the mean depth deviation was 0.53 ± 0.9 mm. Global apical deviation was significantly higher in the group B (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION: CGFI surgery in edentulous arches with fresh extraction sockets may be accurate. However, clinicians should be aware that higher apical deviation may occur in this setting.