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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: autogenous bone graft; completely edentulous; computer-guided surgery; full-arch rehabilitation; immediate loading; stackable guide.