Fully Digital Workflow for Immediate Loading Using a Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach: A Case Report

Objectives: CAD-CAM technology has enabled clinicians to provide accurate and predictable restorations. Chairside time has been reduced and patient’s comfort has been improved. A fully digital workflow can be now predictably adopted in implant surgery and implant restorations. Methods: A male patient, 55 years old, was referred for the restoration of his edentulous mandible. Radiographs and clinical evaluation were assembled to plan implant placement. The flapless approach is preferred to provide for a mucosa-supported surgical guide and lessen the patient’s post-operative complications. In flapless cases, the operator does not have any direct overview of the surrounding soft tissues and underlying bone. In this case, a new, minimally invasive H-shaped incision technique was performed. A fully digital protocol is presented with a two-piece stackable surgical guide to confirm accurate implant placement. Results: A high-performance polymer framework (PEEK) combined with zirconia crowns completes the digitally designed edentulous restoration. Conclusions: Adopting this technique offers the clinician benefits in both the surgical and the restorative part.