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17h20 The use of stackable guides in oral implantology.

Authors: D. Mulier1, E. Shaheen1, L. Verstraete1, R. Coropciuc1, R. Willaert1, J. Meeus1

1 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

The field of implantology has undergone transformative advancements in recent years, driven by the integration of new technologies that enhance the precision, efficiency and success of dental implant procedures. Innovations such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital workflow have revolutionized preoperative planning and surgical execution1.

Among these innovations, the use of stackable guides in implantology surgery has emerged as a sophisticated approach to further refine the placement of dental implants, particularly in complex cases involving multiple implants or full-arch restorations2. 

Stackable guides are a multi-layered, modular system designed to streamline the surgical process by providing step-by-step guidance for each stage of the implant procedure3. These stackable guides are composed of several components that can be sequentially added or removed during the operation. Each layer of the stackable guide corresponds to a specific phase of the procedure. Major advancements are the high precision and predictable execution of the prosthetic plan allowing immediate loading before onset of postoperative oedema.

We will present a case series demonstrating our 3D workflow and surgical protocol of the stackable guide principle, review implementation and discuss the advantages, pitfalls and lessons learned. Finally, the results of our case series will be compared with the state of the art.

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