Profile surgical template: a systematic approach to precise implant placement. A technical note.

ABSTRACT

The precise placement of dental implants is essential to designing a prosthesis that fulfills the esthetic and functional requirements of the patient, and simultaneously allows clear phonetics and facilitates oral hygiene. To achieve this, an effective surgical template is essential it must provide good orientation, be comfortable, have adequate intraoral fixation, allow freedom of choice to the surgeon, and be capable of use during image-diagnostic procedures. In accordance with this criteria, the profile surgical template, based on utilization of the buccal contour of missing teeth, has been designed.