Accuracy and feasibility of a zero-setup implant guide system made of a light-cured composite resin with simultaneous flapless sinus augmentation: A pilot study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of flapless implant placement using a light-cured surgical template made of composite resin comprising dimethacrylate and diurethane, performed simultaneously with crestal sinus augmentation. This pilot study was a prospective, single-armed, controlled clinical trial. Four patients having an edentulous region in the posterior maxilla with 4 to 8 mm of residual ridge height were enrolled. Flapless fully-guided implant placement was performed using a zero-setup surgical template with simultaneous crestal sinus graft. Horizontal, vertical, and angular deviations of the placed implants from the planned positions were measured. Clinical observations were made, and implant stability was measured up to 3 months postoperatively. All four implants were placed and maintained successfully without complication. The mean deviations of the four implants were 1.27 and 1.85 mm horizontally at platform and apex, respectively, 0.84 mm vertically at apex, and 4.76º in angle. Satisfactory implant stability was obtained in all implants at placement and 3 months. Fully-guided implant placement and crestal sinus graft using a zero-setup surgical template can be a safe and feasible method with acceptable accuracy. A randomized controlled trial should be performed in the future to validate its clinical performance in terms of surgical time, accuracy, and patient-reported outcomes.