Orthodontic Microscrews for Stabilizing Surgical Guide in Edentulous Mandibular Patients

Authors

  • Hernán Patricio Vial Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile
  • Sebastián Contreras Kock Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile
  • Carlos Parra Atala Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile
  • Alejandro Escobedo Brevis Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile
  • Valentina Ramírez Garmendia Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.41.03.003.878

Keywords:

Guided surgery (GS), severe alveolar atrophy, orthodontic microscrews, mental foramina.

Abstract

Guided surgery has revolutionized dental implant procedures. However, severe mandibular ridge atrophy can compromise the stability of surgical guides, affecting the predictability of implant placement. This paper presents a novel technique that uses orthodontic microscrews to stabilize both radiographic and surgical guides, thereby improving implant accuracy and reducing neurological risks related to the localization of the mental foramen.

 

Introduction:
Severe bone atrophy in edentulous mandibular patients poses a significant challenge for guided implant surgery, often compromising guide stability and making it necessary to use innovative solutions for precise implant placement. While digital planning enhances accuracy, factors such as mucosal resilience and guide misalignment can affect outcomes, with deviations in some cases reaching up to 2.00 mm at the cervical level and 2.41 mm at the apical level, with angular deviations reported at 4.98 ± 2.16° (Azevedo, 2024). This study proposes a technique employing orthodontic microscrews to stabilize guides during surgical procedures.

Technique:
This technique involves fabricating removable dentures with designated spaces in the intaglio surface for orthodontic microscrew stabilization, enabling secure guide fixation during scanning. Radiopaque markers aid in aligning the guide, allowing for accurate 3D implant positioning. 3D-printed surgical guides, incorporating microscrew retentive spaces, ensure intraoperative stability and precise drilling.

Results:
The technique demonstrates successful stabilization of both radiographic and surgical guides. Orthodontic microscrews act as fixed reference points for mental foramen localization, enhancing the accuracy of flap design and minimizing the risk of nerve injury.

Conclusion:
Orthodontic microscrews offer a valuable solution for stabilizing guides in edentulous mandibular patients, reducing both surgical and planning complications. Further studies are needed to confirm the consistency and effectiveness of this technique.

Author Biographies

Hernán Patricio Vial, Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile

Oral and Maxilofacial Implantology Program , Faculty of Odontology, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile. hernan.vial@unab.cl. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6601-1074

Sebastián Contreras Kock, Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile

2   Implantologist  , Faculty of Odontology, Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile

sebastiancontreras8@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3005-5741

Carlos Parra Atala, Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile

Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology Program, Faculty of Odontology, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago Chile. Carlos.parra.atala@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/orcid.org/0000-0003-1091-0369

Alejandro Escobedo Brevis, Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile

Implantologist, Faculty of Odontology, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago,Chile

dr.alejandroescobedo@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4332-508X

Valentina Ramírez Garmendia, Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile

Assistant Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology Program, Faculty of Odontology, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile.

valerg@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5814-134X

Published

2025-08-26

How to Cite

Patricio Vial, H. ., Contreras Kock, S., Parra Atala, C. ., Escobedo Brevis, A. ., & Ramírez Garmendia, V. . (2025). Orthodontic Microscrews for Stabilizing Surgical Guide in Edentulous Mandibular Patients. SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL SALUD UNINORTE, 41(3), 1070–1083. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.41.03.003.878