Abstract: Objective This study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of the efficacy of “tenon-mortise” based combined digital whole-process surgical templates to assist in diagnosis, plan, and facilitate proper positioning for edentulous patients. Methods This clinical case analysis was to report the treatment of one case with advanced periodontitis, which in turn leads to loosening of teeth. Because of the advanced periodontitis, the remaining teeth were severely loose. A self-designed “tenon-mortise” based combined digital whole-process surgical templates were applied to guide the placement of the implant. The combined surgical templates include positioning plate, osteotomy plate, and implant plate. The connection between the two plates is based on the tenon-mortise joint, which facilitates implant surgery for edentulous patients. In addition, for the irregular alveolar ridge, the osteotomy plate, as one of the combined guided surgical templates, could be used to guide cutting and trimming the alveolar ridge. Using the self-designed “tenon-mortise” based combined digital guided surgical templates could successfully guide the entire surgical process. Results When comparing the planned and placed implant by CBCT, it was found that high accuracy was achieved by using the self-designed “tenon-mortise” based combined digital whole-process surgical templates. The mean angular deviation was 2.27°. The mean value of deviation at the shoulder and apex was 1.77 mm and 1.93 mm, respectively. The outcome of the immediate restoration was satisfying. Conclusion This self-designed template system provides a novel technique to guide whole-process digital implant surgery for edentulous patients. But the efficacy needs further investigation in clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.

Key words: Full digital implant, Tenon-mortise joint structure, Combination, Digital implant surgical guide, Complete mouth repairment