STEREO LASER-WELDED TITANIUM IMPLANT FRAMEWORKS - CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PROCEDURES WITH A SUMMARY OF 1-YEAR CLINICAL-TRIALS

A new technology for implant framework fabrication (Procera) has been introduced to North America after initial clinical trials in Sweden. T his technique is unique because it eliminates the conventional approac h to framework fabrication with the lost wax casting technique. Clinic al and laboratory procedures associated with the Procera technique are described in this article, as are the most recent developments in thi s rapidly emerging technology. A report of 1-year results of the first 10 patients treated with the Procera technique at the University of W ashington is described. Treatment outcome has been favorable, with no clinical evidence of prosthodontic or soft tissue complications noted. All 50 of the implants placed in the 10 patients remain integrated af ter 1 year of service. The Procera technology offers an alternative to current conventional framework fabrication techniques. Continued foll ow-up of this patient series is pursued to explore the treatment outco me for a longer interval of time.