Guided-welded approach planning using digital scanning technology for combined screw- and conometric-retained implant-supported maxillary prosthesis.

AIM The goal of this case series was to evaluate the clinical outcome at the 2-year follow-up of immediately loaded combined screw- and conometric-retained implant-supported full-arch restorations virtually planned using digital scanning technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS This series included 12 patients presenting hopeless teeth in the maxilla treated with computer-guided flapless implant placement. A total of 72 implants were inserted. All implants were immediately loaded with a complete-arch restoration supported by an intraorally welded framework. Digital scanning technology was used to virtually plan a combined screw and conometric retention of the frameworks. Clinical parameters were assessed at 1 week and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up. RESULTS The survival rate after 2 years was 98.6%, as one implant failed during the osseointegration period. No major prosthetic complications were observed such as issues with mobility, unscrewed abutments, disconnected conometric copings, and prosthetic fracture. Only one patient registered the chipping of a prosthesis. CONCLUSION Based on the results of the present study, the use of combined screw and conometric retention for fixed immediate restorations properly planned using digital scanning technology seems to be a viable treatment alternative to screw or conometric retention alone for immediately loaded rehabilitations.