A laboratory training and evaluation technique for computer-aided oral implant surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral surgery
• Medical simulation
• Dental implantology

Background:

• Navigated oral implant surgery demands expertise in computed tomography (CT) imaging, 3D planning, and navigation systems.
• A novel laboratory training and evaluation technique has been developed to enhance surgical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a laboratory-based training and evaluation technique for navigated oral implant surgery.
• To improve the acquisition of skills necessary for computer-aided dental implant procedures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a surgical navigation system, dental dummy, and anonymized patient data including dental casts and CT scans.
• Training involved prosthetic goal definition, 3D planning, and navigated model surgery.
• Evaluation involved post-surgical CT fusion with planning CT for accuracy assessment.

Main Results:

• The technique enables simulation and training for all stages of navigated implant surgery.
• Post-surgical evaluation metrics include Euclidean and normal distances, angular deviations, and anatomical structure integrity (nerves, sinuses).

Conclusions:

• The developed laboratory technique facilitates successful training and evaluation of computer-aided oral implant surgery.
• This approach enhances proficiency in navigated implant procedures through hands-on simulation.