Comparison Between a Computer-Aided Surgical Template and the Free-Hand Method: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

During implantation planning, dentists should be able to make an informed decision regarding whether to use an implant template to assist the surgery.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the results of implantation with or without an implant template based on the accuracy, survival rate, and other considerations.

In January 2018, a systematic review was undertaken for randomized controlled trials and retrospective and prospective cohort studies with relevance to implant accuracy and the survival rate between the implant template and free-hand method. The odds ratios (ORs) of the survival rate and the mean difference of accuracy deviation from the selected papers were estimated by meta-analysis.

Of the 362 screened articles, 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Comparison of the survival rate of implant surgery with or without an implant template revealed no significant result (OR = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-4.51). Significant differences in accuracy were observed in angular (mean difference = -5.45 degrees, 95% CI -0.66 to -4.24 degrees) and apical deviation (mean difference = -0.83 mm, 95% CI -1.12 to -0.54).

With the technology of computer-aided surgical template, implant placement can be more accurate than free-hand operation. No significant difference is observed in the survival rate between template and free-hand.