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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

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Designing CAD/CAM Surgical Guides for Maxillary Reconstruction Using an In-house Approach
Published on: August 24, 2018
Periapical surgery using CAD/CAM guidance: preclinical results
Harold M Pinsky1, Guillaume Champleboux, David P Sarment
1Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|January 30, 2007
Summary
This study introduces computer-aided surgical guides for endodontic apicoectomy, improving precision. Results show significantly greater accuracy in locating tooth apices compared to traditional freehand methods.
Area of Science:
- Endodontic Surgery
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Apicoectomy requires precise planning to avoid vital structures, traditionally limited by 2D radiography.
- Existing surgical guidance technologies have not been applied to endodontics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce periapical surgical guidance using computed tomography (CT) and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
- To compare the accuracy of apical access using surgical guidance versus conventional freehand methods.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of CT/CAD/CAM-based surgical guides for endodontic procedures.
- In vitro comparison of apical access accuracy between guided surgery and freehand drilling.
Main Results:
- Guided surgery achieved an average distance of 0.79 mm from the apex, compared to 2.27 mm for freehand drilling.
- Freehand drilling resulted in errors greater than 3 mm in 22% of cases, while guided surgery had no such errors.
Conclusions:
- Periapical surgical guidance significantly enhances accuracy and consistency in endodontic surgery.
- CT/CAD/CAM surgical guides offer improved presurgical 3D visualization and precise apical access.
