Journal
LASERS IN MEDICAL SCIENCE
Volume 28, Issue 5, Pages 1241-1247Publisher
SPRINGER LONDON LTD
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-012-1205-1
Keywords
Blade implants; Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM); Custom-made Selective laser sintering (SLS)
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The treatment of severely atrophied posterior mandibles with standard-diameter root-form implants may present a challenge. Bone reconstructive surgery represents the treatment of choice; however, it may not be accepted by some patients for economic reasons or due to higher morbidity. Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies have recently opened new frontiers in biomedical applications. Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a CAD/CAM technique that allows the fabrication of complex three-dimensional (3D) structures created by computer-generated image-based design techniques. The aim of this study is to present a protocol for the manufacture and clinical use of custom-made SLS titanium blade implants as a non-conventional therapeutic treatment for the prosthetic rehabilitation of extremely atrophied posterior mandibles. Computed tomography datasets of five patients were transferred to a specific reconstruction software, where a 3D projection of the atrophied mandible was obtained, and custom-made endosseous blade implants were designed. The custom-made implants were fabricated with SLS technique, placed in the extremely atrophied posterior (< 4 mm width) mandible, and immediately restored with fixed partial restorations. After 2 years of loading, all implants were in function, showing a good esthetic integration. Blade implants can be fabricated on an individual basis as a custom-designed device. This non-conventional approach may represent an option for restoring the atrophied posterior mandible of elderly patients.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available