The Precision of All-on-Four Implant Position Recorded from Three Different CBCT Machines

To investigate the dimensional discrepancy and degree of deviation of All-on-Four implant position between different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) machines.

Four implants (4.5 × 10 mm Superline II, Dentium, South Korea) were placed in an All-on-Four style in an artificial mandible. The jaw was radiated 30 times using three different CBCT machines (Rainbow CT, Dentium; Veraview X800, Morita, Japan; Planmeca Viso G3, Planmeca OY, Finland). A total of 30 Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files were exported, n = 10. All-on-Four implants from each DICOM file were segmented and exported as an STL file (three-dimensional image) using Blue Sky Plan software (version 4.12.13/Blue Sky Bio, United States). All-on-Four implant zone dimensions (X, Y, and Z axes) and the total degree of deviation between All-on-Four implants per CBCT machine were measured using Autodesk Meshmixer software (version 3.5.474/California, United States). The data distribution's normality and variances' equality were tested with Shapiro-Wilk's and Levene's tests, respectively (p-value < 0.05). Data were analyzed using Brown-Forsythe one-way analysis of variance and Tamhane's post hoc tests to compare the differences between the groups (p-value <0.05).

The respective X, Y, and Z mean dimensions of the All-on-Four implant zone were: Dentium (34.95, 14.71, and 9.97); Morita (34.88, 14.74, and 10.56); and Planmeca (34.73, 15.15, and 12.33). Significant differences between CBCT machines were found in all axes (p-value < 0.05); however, the Z-axis had the most differences. Notably, Planmeca exhibited the highest standard deviation (SD) in all axes (0.16-0.35), exhibiting the lowest consistency in the CBCT machines' readings. The Dentium exhibited the lowest deviation in the implant position, with the lowest SD (0.61). A significant difference in the total degree of deviation was spotted when only Morita was included in the comparison (p-value < 0.05).

This study's findings are of significant importance as they reveal that the implant position recorded from the CBCT machines was most discrepant in the buccolingual dimension (Z-axis). Planmeca exhibited the least implant-dimensional accuracy of the CBCT machines, while Dentium exhibited the highest implant position accuracy. These results could significantly impact the choice of CBCT machine for implant placement, especially since an accurate CBCT image is crucial for digital implant planning.