Stackable Guides and Immediate Full-Arch Loading: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 43 Edentulous Arches- The STAGE Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the advantages and disadvantages of the stackable guided approach through a retrospective analysis of 43 edentulous arches rehabilitated with or without bone grafts using a stackable guided approach and an immediate loading protocol.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 284 implants were placed with a fully digital workflow using stacked guides, which aided the design of provisional protheses loaded immediately after implant placement. The primary outcome measure was the survival rate of the implants at 4 months.

RESULTS

After a 4-month follow-up period, 10 implants (3.5%) exhibited no osseointegration and were subsequently replaced, resulting in an overall success rate of 96.5%. After 1 year of follow-up, a prosthetic success rate of 100% was observed, with all patients being able to progress to the permanent fixed dentures stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the use of this protocol for all patients, whether they require bone grafting or not. However, a long term follow-up is essential for a comprehensive evaluation of these treatment outcomes.