Computer-assisted implantology: historical background and potential outcomes-a review.
BACKGROUND
The accurate transfer of preoperatively determined implant positions to the patient mouth is very beneficial to the dental practitioner as well as patients. The objective of this paper was to review the gradual development of computer-assisted implant surgery.


METHODS
All of the major data sources including unpublished data in the internet are considered


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-assisted/-guided/-aided implantology has been founded to overcome the errors encountered during implant osteotomies and to position the implants more precisely. The protocols followed by this sophisticated technique are based upon the advocated concept of prosthetic-driven implantology and CT-scan analysis recently approved. Although several attempts have been made to improve this approach more and more, little has been done regarding the patient's demands, including cost. The inherent complexity of the techniques and materials utilized necessitates several degrees of training before attempting treatment and must be taken into account.
Azari
Abbas
A
Department of Prosthodontics, Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Tehran, Quds Street, Tehran, Iran.
Nikzad
Sakineh
S
D017076:Computer-Aided Design / Q000639:trends; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design / Q000639:trends*; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000639:trends*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends
D015921:Dental Implants