Prefabricated 3D-printed full-arch implant for functional and esthetic rehabilitation: a prosthesis-integrated drill guide solution.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Immediate-loading full-arch implant restoration offers improved patient comfort and acceptance but poses challenges in implant positioning, especially for complex anatomical conditions. Fully digital workflows, including intraoral scans and 3D-printed guides, enhance precision but may still result in cumulative errors affecting prosthetic fit. This study introduces a modified digital protocol integrating prefabricated prostheses with drill guides to improve accuracy and simplify full-arch rehabilitation. METHODS: A systematic step-by-step protocol was developed using digital simulation and virtual design to fabricate prefabricated prostheses. These prostheses, combined with surgical drill templates, allowed for immediate functional and esthetic loading. Integration of the provisional restoration with the drill guide was designed to reduce discrepancies during prosthesis repositioning when securing pre-cut temporary cylinders with resin. RESULTS: The proposed workflow demonstrated high accuracy in prosthesis placement, reducing repositioning errors during the clinical procedure. Functional and esthetic loading was successfully achieved, with precise alignment of components and a streamlined digital workflow. CONCLUSIONS: This digital approach provides an effective and cost-efficient solution for immediate full-arch implant loading. By enhancing accuracy and minimizing procedural errors, it offers improved clinical outcomes and sets a foundation for advanced full-arch rehabilitation techniques.