Accuracy assessment of computer-assisted flapless implant placement in partial edentulism.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the accuracy of implants placed flapless by a stereolithographic template in partially edentulous patients.


METHODS
Eight patients, requiring two to four implants (maxilla or mandible), were consecutively recruited. Radiographical data were obtained by means of a cone beam or a multi-slice CT scan and imported in a software program. Implants (n=21) were planned in a virtual environment, leading to the manufacture of one stereolithographic template per patient to guide the implant placement in a one-stage flapless procedure. A postoperative cone beam CT was performed to calculate the difference between virtual implant (n=21) positions in the preoperative planning and postoperative situation.


RESULTS
A mean angular deviation of 2.7 degrees (range 0.4-8, SD 1.9), with a mean deviation at the apex of 1.0 mm (range 0.2-3.0, SD 0.7), was observed. If one patient, a dropout because of non-conformity with the protocol, was excluded, the angular deviation was reduced to 2.2 degrees (range 0.6-3.9, SD 1.1), and the apical deviation to 0.9 mm (range 0.2-1.8).


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this limited patient population, a flapless implant installation appears to be a useful procedure even when based on accurate and reliable 3D CT-based image data and a dedicated implant planning software.
Van Assche
N
N
Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. nele_van_assche@hotmail.com
van Steenberghe
D
D
Quirynen
M
M
Jacobs
R
R
D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008437:Maxilla; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015921:Dental Implants