Computer-Assisted Implant Planning: A Review of Data Registration Techniques

Computer-assisted implant planning allows for a comprehensive treatment plan by combining radiographic data provided by CBCT with surface optical scan data that includes the patient's intraoral situation and the intended restorative planning. Integrating a tailored restorative de-sign with the patient's anatomical conditions through virtual implant planning allows for an ideal biorestorative treatment planning that maximizes biologic, functional, and esthetic outcomes. This article discusses dataset registration techniques that combine radiographic CBCT data with re-storative information as the main path to create a virtual patient. The described techniques include the use of removable radiographic templates with radiopaque markers, the dual scan technique, and direct digital file registration of intraoral scans using anatomical references. Depending on the individual clinical situation, different factors must be considered to appropriately select methods that achieve an optimal registration of diverse datasets. An inherent challenge lies in the presence of scattering artifacts in CBCT scans. Two approaches are proposed for these situations: the use of chairside-fabricated composite resin markers or adhesive spot-markers fabricated for use with computed tomography scans. Both techniques exhibit limitations that must be considered. Further approaches should be developed for situations involving scattering in CBCT scans.