title: Stereolithography in oral implantology: a comparison of surgical guides.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Science of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial, Faculty of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Gilberto
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sammartino
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Della Valle
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marenzi
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gerbino
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martorelli
authors.forename: Alessandro Espedito
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: di Lauro
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: di Lauro
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D003765:Models, Dental; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010780:Photogrammetry / Q000379:methods; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed