Assessment of Image-guided Surgical Template for Implant Placement in Mandible

Assessment of Image-guided Surgical Template for Implant Placement in Mandible
Y.L. HUANG, S.X. CHANG, J.W. ZHANG, J.G. WU, and W.M. ZHANG, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
March 2004
Clinical Implant Studies
Objective: The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate to what extent precision data from computerized image-guided surgical planning software (CISPlan) for dental implants can be transferred to the operative field by means of a computer-milled drilling template, containing high-precision drilling sleeves, fitted on the mandible. Materials and Methods: This procedure was experimentally carried out in 1 polyurethane model , 3 cadavers and later in 12 consecutive human patients with mandibular missing teeth. A total of 23 dental implants were placed. The developed system was composed of Spiral CT Scanner (GE LightSpeed Ultra), CISPlan, the interactive software for predictable three-dimensional surgical planning of dental implants placement and computerized milling template system (CNC milling machine). Results: The results indicated a nearly perfect match between the positions and axes of the placed implants and those planned. The accuracy of the implant position achieved at the mandibular crest satisfies biomechanical, anatomical and esthetic requirements. Conclusions: The use of an image-guided surgical template system provides a valuable tool in dental implant surgery and proved superior to conventional implant dentistry. These encouraging results are presently being further investigated at the clinical level.