Implant-supported 3D-printed bridge in the edentulous maxilla

A healthy 72-year-old man presented with retention problems concerning the dentures in his maxilla. On account of extreme resorption, placement of implants without prior bone augmentation was not an option. The proposal was to use autologous bone harvested from the iliac crest. After a healing period of 4 months, a cone beam computed tomography scan was made, following which the virtual implant planning of 6 implants was carried out. With the help of a template supported by osteosynthesis screws, which had already been inserted during the augmentation procedure, the plan was applied to the patient. The precision of the fit between the planning and the actual placement of the implants has become so high that it was decided to place a 3D-printed dental bridge immediately following implant placement. The treatment trajectory and the costs can thus be significantly reduced whilst the patient gets to enjoy the implant-supported dentures sooner.