Digital Workflow in Implant Dentistry

Advancements in open implant planning software, intra-oral scanning, 3D printing, and milling have revolutionized the field of implantology. The ability to design and fabricate surgical guides in-house has significantly improved the precision and efficiency of dental implant procedures. Furthermore, the digital workflow made possible by these technologies allows the delivery of a single implant-supported prosthesis to be completed in 2 visits, from the surgery to the final placement of the prosthesis.

Furthermore, the combination of free computer-aided design (CAD) software and interactive implant planning software has opened up new possibilities in various areas of implantology. For example, stackable guides for the Buccal Shield Technique can be designed and fabricated using these digital tools. Additionally, customized Zirconia membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration can be 3D printed, offering a more precise and tailored approach to this procedure. Moreover, minimally-invasive sinus guides can be created using digital technologies, enabling precise and controlled access to the sinus cavity.

It is worth mentioning that in addition to resin printing of tooth-supported surgical guides, titanium printing of bone-supported stackable guides has also become possible with laser-sintering technology. This reduces the invasiveness of the surgery and offers additional benefits such as improved resistance to grinding, better visibility, and enhanced access for irrigation.

All on X digital model-less workflow is now feasible with the integration of interactive implant planning software, guided implant surgery, intra-oral scanning (IOS), photogrammetry and CAD-CAM technologies, significantly reducing the number of appointments, chair-time and turnover time of days instead of weeks. Various digital workflows have been developed to record accurate implant positions and capture the bite for the All-on-X technique.