Radiographic/surgical template incorporating metal telescopic tubes for accurate implant placement

The dental literature is replete with information on various implant surgical template designs and imaging techniques for presurgical assessment of dental implant sites. Seldom are these two aspects combined in a practical and effective manner to fabricate a guide for precise implant placement. Unless detailed, three-dimensional images of the underlying bone are obtained, the use of a template is ineffective. This article describes a radiographic/surgical template that utilizes a series of telescoping metal tubes as radiographic markers and as implant drill guides.