The present prospective multicenter study indicates that the prefabrication, on the basis of models derived from three-dimensional oral implant planning software, of both surgical templates for flapless surgery and dental prostheses for immediate loading is a very reliable treatment option. It is evident that the same approach could be used for staged surgery and in partial edentulism.

The present study demonstrated that single-stage surgery and immediate loading of implants with prefabricated bridgework in the mandible can result in high implant success and significant reduction in treatment time, with patient satisfaction.

PostprintThis is the accepted version of a paper published in Dento-Maxillo-Facial Radiology. This paper has been peer-reviewed but does not include the final publisher proof-corrections or journal pagination.Citation for the original published paper (version of record):Ohman, A., Kivijärvi, K., Blombäck, U., Flygare, L. (2006) Pre-operative radiographic evaluation of lower third molars with computed tomography.. Objectives: To report radiographic findings of examinations with computed tomography (CT) of impacted lower third molars with an intimate relation to the mandibular canal and to investigate how findings of a dark band across the roots of the lower third molar on panoramic views correspond to the CT findings. Methods: CT images of 90 lower third molars (64 patients, mean age 34.6 years) in which plain radiography was insufficient to allow determination of the precise anatomical relations were reviewed retrospectively. Panoramic views of 88 teeth existed; these images were interpreted independent of the CT examinations with respect to presence of a dark band across the roots. Results: In 31% of the CT images, the course of the mandibular canal was buccal, in 33% lingual, in 26% inferior, and in 10% inter-radicular. The tooth was in contact with the mandibular canal in 94% and with the lingual cortex in 86%. In 23%, grooving of the root by the canal was judged to be present. In 63% of the cases where a dark band across the roots was observed on panoramic radiographs, CT revealed grooving of the root. Conclusions: Pre-operative CT of lower third molars is motivated in selected cases when plain radiography is inconclusive. The finding of a dark band across the roots on panoramic radiographs is an indicator of grooving of the tooth by the canal and justifies a pre-operative CT examination. The absence of dark bands on panoramic views does not exclude grooving of the roots. Dento