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An alternative method to match planned and achieved positions of implants, after virtual planning using cone-beam CT
Hans-Joachim Nickenig1, Stephan Eitner
1Department of Prosthodontics, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany. Dr.A.Nickenig@t-online.de
Objectives:
The present study describes a new method of evaluating the precision of surgically placed dental implants compared after virtual planning of implant positions using cone-beam computed tomography (CT) data and surgical guide templates. This method reduces radiation exposure for patients participating in scientific studies.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-three implants in 10 patients with a unilateral free-end gap in the mandible (Kennedy Class II) were evaluated. After three-dimensional planning of implant position, the implant bed was prepared with a surgical guide template and transmucosal drilling. Preoperative cone-beam CT images were matched with postoperative images of the master cast with implant replicas. Deviations between planned and achieved positions were measured in position and axis.
Results:
On average, the match between planned and placed implant axis was within 4.2 degrees (range, 0.0-10.0). The mean difference in distance at the implant shoulder was 0.9 mm (range, 0.0-4.5). The mean difference in distance at the implant apex was 0.6mm (range, 0.0-2.7) in the lateral/medial direction and 0.9 mm (range, 0.0-3.4) in the anterior/posterior direction.
Conclusions:
This alternative matching method provides reliable postoperative evaluation of differences in position and axis of planned and placed implants while reducing patient radiation exposure.
