Research Article
Hasan Ayberk Altug, Metin ªen
Abstract
The success of an implant-supported restoration mainly depends on implant placement with correct angulations and occlusal relationship. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a custom-made template to guide implant insertion in maxillary and mandibular free-end saddle areas. Methods: The study sample was drawn from patients with a unilateral and/or bilateral free-end saddles (Kennedy Class I and II) who attended at the Military Hospital, Diyarbakir, and Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey, between 2004 and 2008. Inclusion criteria were no uncontrolled systemic diseases, non-smoker, at least 10 mm distance between the alveolar crest and the inferior dental canal at all mandibular implant recipient sites, and good oral hygiene. Customised surgical templates were constructed on study casts and were used during the surgery for implant placement. The implants were loaded with fixed prostheses at 6-8 weeks after surgery. The patients were followed up for at least three years. Results: Fifty-eight implants were placed in 29 patients (17 men, 12 women). Thirty implants were placed in free-end saddles in the maxilla and 28 in freeend saddles in the mandible. Conclusions: The present study indicates that the customised surgical template, which allows reduced patient radiation exposure, is an economical and simple technique. It suggests that a custom-made surgical template improves predictability in implant placement and is useful for accurate implant placement with correct angulation and occlusal relationship.