Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025
Guided Endodontics: Three-Dimensional Planning and Template-Aided Preparation of Endodontic Access Cavities
Published on: May 24, 2022
Template-aided and freehand guiding plane preparation for removable partial dentures: A randomized controlled trial
Hefei Bai1, Hongqiang Ye2, Kenan Ma2
1Center of Digital Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology (Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences), Beijing, P. R. China.
Purpose:
To evaluate the accuracy of guiding plane preparation for removable partial dentures (RPDs) using 3D-printed templates compared to the freehand method.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty partially edentulous patients requiring RPDs were randomly divided into two groups: the template-aided group (n = 10) and the freehand group (n = 10). Fifty-six guiding planes were prepared by a single clinician using two different methods. The angle deviation between the prepared guiding plane and the RPD path of placement was measured for both groups. The 3D deviations between the prepared guiding plane and the designed guiding plane were measured for the template-aided group. Patient satisfaction with the RPD was evaluated 2 weeks post-RPD wearing.
Results:
The angular deviation observed in the template-aided group (1.77±1.11 degrees) was significantly lower than that (6.29±4.18 degrees) in the freehand group (p < .001). Additionally, the 3D deviation between the prepared guiding plane and the designed guiding plane of the template-aided group was 106.2±40.9 µm. No significant difference in patient satisfaction scores related to RPD wearing was found between the two groups.
Conclusions:
Utilizing the cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy template significantly improved the accuracy of guiding plane preparation in the clinic, irrespective of the site of the abutment tooth.
