Integrating three-dimensional digital technologies for comprehensive implant dentistry.
BACKGROUND
The increase in the popularity of and the demand for the use of dental implants to replace teeth has encouraged advancement in clinical technology and materials to improve patients' acceptance and clinical outcomes. Recent advances such as three-dimensional dental radiography with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), precision dental implant planning software and clinical execution with guided surgery all play a role in the success of implant dentistry.


METHODS
The author illustrates the technique of comprehensive implant dentistry planning through integration of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and CBCT data. The technique includes clinical treatment with guided surgery, including the creation of a final restoration with a high-strength ceramic (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, N.Y.). The author also introduces a technique involving CAD/CAM for fabricating custom implant abutments.


RESULTS
The release of software integrating CEREC Acquisition Center with Bluecam (Sirona Dental Systems, Charlotte, N.C.) chairside CAD/CAM and Galileos CBCT imaging (Sirona Dental Systems) allows dentists to plan implant placement, perform implant dentistry with increased precision and provide predictable restorative results by using chairside IPS e.max CAD.


CONCLUSIONS
The precision of clinical treatment provided by the integration of CAD/CAM and CBCT allows dentists to plan for ideal surgical placement and the appropriate thickness of restorative modalities before placing implants.
Infinite Smiles, 7500 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, Ohio 43065, USA. Drpatel@infinitesmiles.com
Neal
N
Patel
D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003442:Crowns; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D003761:Dental Impression Technique; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014941:Work Simplification
D003776:Dental Porcelain