title: The role of cone-beam computed tomography in the planning and placement of implants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Three-dimensional imaging, particularly cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), has made significant contributions to the planning and placement of implants to replace missing teeth. The accuracy of CBCT data can be used to fabricate a surgical guide that transfers the implant planning information to the surgical site to facilitate implant placement. The authors describe a method for applying CBCT data to aid in the planning and placement of implants.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors outline clinical goals for implant planning and placement and describe the anatomical and prosthetic requirements for successful implant placement. They also present imaging solutions, including CBCT scanning and software analysis, to the clinical goals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Virtual implant planning using CBCT data allows the clinicians to create and visualize the end result before initiating treatment. CBCT scans are accurate and cost effective and can be used to improve communication and coordination of a multidisciplinary team to achieve the desired clinical outcome. Virtual planning allows clinicians to investigate multiple treatment scenarios until the optimum treatment plan is attained. The optimized virtual plan may be converted through modeling to create a surgical guide for clinical implementation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The precise planning and delivery of implants to replace missing teeth can avert recognized and concealed treatment problems. This process aids the clinician and benefits the patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Worthington
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rubenstein
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Hatcher
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014584:User-Computer Interface