Smart fusion vs. double scan: a comparison between two data-matching protocols for a computer guided implant planning

Area of Science:

• Dental implantology
• Computer-aided surgery
• Data processing

Background:

• Accurate data matching is crucial for computer-guided implant surgery.
• Traditional methods like the double-scan protocol are established but may have limitations.
• Newer techniques aim to streamline the planning process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the double-scan protocol and the smart fusion protocol for data matching in implant planning.
• To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Main Methods:

• Literature searches were conducted for both protocols.
• The double-scan and smart fusion protocols were tested.
• Data matching techniques were analyzed for accuracy and efficiency.

Main Results:

• The double-scan protocol reliably fuses Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and radiographic template data for dentate and edentulous patients.
• Smart fusion allows CBCT data superimposition on cast and wax-up scans without a radiographic template, primarily for dentate patients.
• Smart fusion is considered a potential advancement by manufacturers, though still under clinical evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Smart fusion offers time and cost savings for dentate patients but requires manual intervention for accurate CBCT and lab scan alignment.
• Material instability in casts can affect matching accuracy.
• Future developments may involve integrating CBCT with optical scans for a 'virtual patient'.