A 3-D CAD/CAM technique in full-arch implant supported rehabilitations: the Virtual Implant-Prosthetic Procedure (VIPP Technique). A prospective longitudinal study

ABSTRACT   Aim The purpose of this study is to evaluate the success of a new three-dimensional CAD/CAM processing technique in full-arch implant supported rehabilitations of edentulous patients. Materials and methods Healthy patients with edentulous mandible and/or maxilla arch were selected for the present study. The Full-Arch Implant Supported Virtual Protocol has been applied with immediate loading fixed rehabilitation. Effectiveness of digital and surgical planning, marginal bone loss, implant and prosthetic failure were recorded at 6-and 12 months follow up. Results Seventy-six implants were placed in 15 patients, and 15 full arch  rehabilitations were delivered. Patients found  smile design previsualization very effective (93%),  guided surgery very effective (94%), and  immediate loading and temporization very effective (92%). No implant were lost (survival rate = 100%). At the 6-months radiographic evaluation, average perimplant crestal bone loss was 0.56 ± 0.12 mm for maxillary implants (n = 64 ), 0.59 ± 0.16 for mandibular implants (n = 12 ) and 12-months average perimplant crestal bone loss was 0.67 ± 0.11 mm for maxillary implants (n = 64 ) and 0.69 ± 0.16 for mandibular implants (n = 12 ). Two unscrewing episodes and one provisional prosthesis fracture occurred. No paresthesia and no prosthetic complications in definitive prostheses were registered in the whole sample. Conclusions Within the limitations of the present study, the Virtual Implant-Prosthetic Procedure could be a satisfactory treatment in edentulous patients.