title: Software applied to oral implantology: update.
abstract: Software in combination with imaging techniques is used increasingly for diagnosis, planning and treatment in oral implantology. Computer-aided surgery allows a great accuracy in implant positioning to be obtained, taking advantage of the amount of bone available and facilitating minimally invasive surgery. It is a significant aid in determining implant number, location, angle and characteristics. A CT with a radiographic template positioned in the mouth is made for the patient. Data are stored on a CD in DICOM 3 format and then introduced in the computer where implant treatment will be planned, using the chosen software. Navigation improves surgical accuracy through the aid of software based on the images captured from CT or MRI and a surgical instrument tracking system. Infrared light-emitting diodes are connected to rotatory instruments and to the patientvs template. Information is collected by special-purpose cameras, allowing the procedure to be viewed in real time on a monitor. It is useful in situations where an exact implantation is demanded, such as anatomical limitations, little space, atrophic maxillae, sinus lifts or zygomatic implants. Articles reviewed agree in emphasizing the reliability and accuracy of the planning and computer-assisted navigation systems available in the market. Nevertheless, many applications are still in the development phase.
authors.affiliation: Valencia University Medical and Dental School, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Minerva
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rubio Serrano
authors.forename: Salvador
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Albalat Estela
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peñarrocha Diago
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peñarrocha Diago
mesh_terms: D003757:Dental Implantation; D006801:Humans; D012984:Software; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted