Auxiliary Reflectance Sensor for Guided Surgery with Dental Implants: In Vitro Study.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Implantology
• Surgical Navigation Technologies

Background:

• Flapless dental implant surgery aims to minimize patient trauma and improve healing.
• Accurate implant placement is crucial for successful osseointegration and prosthetic restoration.
• Existing guided surgery systems, like stereolithographic guides, offer precision but can have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel reflectance sensor for flapless guided dental implant surgery.
• To compare the accuracy of implant placement using the experimental sensor versus a conventional stereolithographic guide.
• To assess the sensor's effectiveness in controlling drill stabilization and apical implant positioning.

Main Methods:

• Ten edentulous arch models were used, with two implants placed in each.
• Group 1 (G1) utilized a stereolithographic guide (NeoGuide system).
• Group 2 (G2) employed the experimental reflectance sensor for implant insertion.
• Accuracy was evaluated by superimposing virtual planning images with postoperative tomographies.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in accuracy were found between the stereolithographic guide and the experimental sensor.
• Angulation deviations were 4.15° (guide) and 5.48° (sensor).
• Linear deviations at the cervical and apical levels were minimal and comparable between both groups.

Conclusions:

• Guided surgery is essential for drill stabilization during implant placement.
• Controlling apical implant positioning, particularly in resorbed bone, remains a significant challenge.
• The experimental sensor shows potential as an adjunct to stereolithographic guides, but requires further refinement for clinical adoption.