Computer-guided “Double Factor” Technique Found Accurate for Full Arch Dental Implant Rehabilitation

Spain: A new study, published in the March edition of Journal of Dentistry, has evaluated the accuracy and patient-reported outcomes of the computer-guided “double factor” technique for treating fully edentulous patients. The technique involves merging the static and dynamic computer-guided surgical approaches in the same surgery.

Study Design and Methodology

A proof of concept prospective study was conducted in a private practice between October 2021 and March 2022.

Ten consecutive patients requiring full arch dental implant-supported rehabilitation were enrolled, and all patients were treated with the All-on-four technique using the “double factor” approach.

The primary outcome was the accuracy of implant placement, measured by overlapping post- and pre-operative cone-beam computerized tomography with the implant planning. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and quality of life were also evaluated using different questionnaires.

Results and Analysis

A total of 48 implants were placed using the “double factor” technique, and 12 full-arch immediate loading prostheses were delivered.

The mean angular deviation was 3.74° (standard deviation [SD]: 2), with a total linear deviation at the apex and platform of the implant of 1.25 mm (SD: 0.55) and 1.42 mm (SD: 0.64), respectively.

No statistically significant differences were found between tilted and axial implants, the upper and lower jaw, or the right and left side. High self-reported satisfaction was registered, and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score improved postoperatively (p = 0.002).

Clinical Significance

The “double factor” technique was found to be a valid and accurate treatment approach for fully edentulous patients. The technique merges the advantages of both the dynamic and static computer-assisted surgery approaches, affording accurate and predictable results when treating fully edentulous patients in a minimally invasive manner. This approach could provide significant benefits for patients requiring full arch dental implant-supported rehabilitation.

Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of the “double factor” technique and the potential for computer-guided surgical approaches to enhance treatment outcomes and improve patient satisfaction in dental implant rehabilitation.

Read the full article: Dynamic and static computer-assisted implant surgery for completely edentulous patients. A proof of a concept.