Accuracy of implant placement based on pre‐surgical planning of three‐dimensional cone‐beam images: a pilot study

TLDR

The study aims to assess the accuracy of computer‑based 3D implant planning using cone‑beam images for placement in partially edentulous jaws. Four cadaver jaws were scanned with 3D CBCT, planned for implant placement, and guided into surgery using stereolithographic drill guides, after which pre‑ and post‑operative CBCT images were matched to quantify deviations. Implanted teeth showed an average angular deviation of 2° and a mean linear deviation of 1.1 mm at the hex and 2.0 mm at the tip, with maximum deviations of 4° angular and 2.4 mm linear at the apical tip.

Abstract

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the precision of transfer of a computer‐based three‐dimensional (3D) planning, using re‐formatted cone‐beam images, for oral implant placement in partially edentulous jaws. Material and Methods: Four formalin‐fixed cadaver jaws were imaged in a 3D Accuitomo FPD ® cone‐beam computed tomography (CT). Data were used to produce an accurate implant planning with a transfer to surgery by means of stereolithographic drill guides. Pre‐operative cone‐beam CT images were subsequently matched with post‐operative ones to calculate the deviation between planned and installed implants. Results: Placed implants (length: 10–15 mm) showed an average angular deviation of 2° (SD: 0.8, range: 0.7–4.0°) as compared with the planning, while the mean linear deviation was 1.1 mm (SD: 0.7 mm, range 0.3–2.3 mm) at the hex and 2.0 mm (SD: 0.7 mm, range 0.7–2.4 mm) at the tip. Conclusions: Cone‐beam images could be used for implant planning, taking into account a maximal 4° angular and 2.4 mm linear deviation at the apical tip.