Stereolithography in Oral Implantology A Comparison of Surgical Guides

Stereolithography in Oral Implantology A Comparison of Surgical Guides
June 2004
Sammartino, Gilberto MD, DDS*; Valle, Antonio Della DMDÇƒÜ; Marenzi, Gaetano DMD, PhDÇƒ?; Gerbino, Salvatore PhD¨?; Martorelli, Massimo PhD||; di Lauro, Alessandro Espedito DMD, PhD¨?; di Lauro, Francesco MD, DDS**
Implant Dentistry: Volume 13(2) June 2004 pp 133-139
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
*Associate Professor, University of Naples Federico II, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Science of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial, Naples, Italy.
ÇƒÜOral surgeon private practice, Caserta, Italy.
Çƒ?Resident in oral surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Science of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial, Naples, Italy.
¨?Assistant Professor, University of Naples Federico II, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Industrial Design and Management, Naples, Italy.
||Assistant Professor, University of Cassino, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Structures, Territory.
¨?Assistant Professor, University of Naples Federico II, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Science of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial, Naples, Italy.
**Professor, University of Naples Federico II, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Science of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial, Naples, Italy.
Reprint requests and correspondence to: Gaetano Marenzi, DMD, Via Lepanto 46, 80125 Napoli, Italy, Phone: +39-081 5930107, E-mail: gaetano.marenzi@tiscali.it
Abstract
This article presents the use of stereolithography in oral implantology. Stereolithography is a new technology that can produce physical models by selectively solidifying an ultraviolet-sensitive liquid resin using a laser beam, reproducing the true maxillary and mandibular anatomic dimensions. With these models, it is possible to fabricate surgical guides that can place the implants in vivo in the same places and same directions as those in the planned computer simulation. A 70-year-old woman, in good health, with severe mandibular bone atrophy was rehabilitated with an over-denture supported by 2 Branemark implants. Two different surgical planning methods were considered: 1) the construction of a surgical guide evaluating clinical aspects, and 2) the surgical guide produced by stereolithographic study. The accuracy of surgical planning can reduce the problems related to bone density and dimensions. Furthermore, the stereolithographic study assured the clinicians of a superior location of fixtures in bone. Surgical planning based on stereolithographic technique is a safe procedure and has many advantages. This technologic advance has biologic and therapeutic benefits because it simplifies anatomic surgical management for improved implant placement.
The stereolithography process is a rapid prototyping method that produces physical models by selectively solidifying an ultraviolet-sensitive liquid resin using a laser beam. 1-5 It represents a relatively new technology in the diagnostic area. The status of this new methodology in clinical and surgical medicine is still at the prototype stage. It can be used for surgical simulation to assure predictable results and to diminish operation time. 1-7 In oral implantology, this technology allows for a precise evaluation of anatomic points such as the size of the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw and the location of the alveolar nerve in the lower jaw, 1-8 and it can be applied to provide information about size, direction, and bone location for accurate positioning of implants. 1-9 This study evaluated the possible benefits in planning implant surgery from stereolithographic models and surgical guides relating to clinical guidance methodology. 1-5
The aim of this report is to consider the use of stereolithography in oral implantology and its role in reducing complications in implant dentistry.
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