[Image guided dental implantology]

Dental implants insertion is a predictable surgical procedure with very high success rates. An optimal implants placement requires excellent surgical skills and good prosthetic perception. Performing an inaccurate implantation can lead to irreversible surgical damage on the one hand or a prosthetic failure on the other hand. Planning software provide the surgeon with good planning tool; existing navigation systems allow for translating them into performance by semi-active or passive guidance. The later allows for flexibility in the implant location during the operation and real-time tracking of drill position. All of these tools are helpful in avoiding damage to anatomical structures by performing the implantation in close relation to the CT scan. But the solutions that provide most possible advantages requires CT with special markers, long and expansive preoperative preparations and most of all a very high initial cost. These, in addition to a very long learning curve are the reason for these systems not to become a popular working tool. The most important challenges of the next generation systems in dental implants navigation are lower price, smaller size, good performance and reliability and ease of use. This kind of image guided system should allow for preplanning of implants locations, and guided insertion by minimal invasive procedure.