Model-free digital workflow and immediate functional loading of implant-supported monolithic glass-ceramic crowns: A case series.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical and prosthetic outcomes of immediate functional loading of implants with glass-ceramic screw-retained single crowns.

Methods: A total of 22 implants were placed. Within 24 h, functional full-contour glass ceramic crowns were delivered to patients. The amount of attached gingiva, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index Score, bleeding on probing, time after extraction, bone type, implant size, soft tissue thickness, primary stability, a general fit of the restoration, occlusal and proximal contacts were recorded. Restorations were followed-up at 1, 3, and 6 months tracking marginal bone loss (MBL), noting changes in occlusal and interproximal contacts, checking other possible complications.

Results: One implant failed and was removed after 4 weeks (95.5% survival rate). The rest of the implants and crowns functioned with no complications during the follow-up period of 6 months. Factors such as time after extraction, bone type, implant size, soft tissue thickness, and primary stability recorded in Ncm and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values, were not associated with MBL (p<0.05). Mean MBL was found to be 0.3 mm (standard deviation = 0.42) mesially and 0.4 mm (standard deviation = 0.66) distally. One distal and one mesial proximal contact were found to be missing at the 6-month check-up appointment.

Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, fully digital workflow without a 3D printed model could be successfully employed for immediate functional loading with single-unit implant-supported crowns. Further studies are needed to obtain long-term results with a larger sample of patients.

Clinical Significance: Model-free digital workflow and immediate functional loading of implant-supported monolithic glass-ceramic crown might be viable option to restore a single tooth defect.