Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the potential use of a new advanced inertial navigation system for guiding dental implant placement and to compare this approach with standard stereolithographic template guiding. A movement processing unit with a 9-axis absolute orientation sensor was adapted to a surgical handpiece and wired to a computer navigation interface. Sixty implants were placed by 10 operators in 20 jaw models. The 30 implants of the test group were placed in 10 models guided by the new inertial navigation prototype. The 30 implants of the control group were placed in another 10 models using a CAD-CAM template. Both groups were subdivided into experienced and non-experienced operators. Pre- and postoperative computer tomography images were obtained and matched to compare the planned and final implant positions. Four deviation parameters (global, angular, depth, and lateral deviation) were defined and calculated. The primary outcome was the angular deviation between the standard stereolithographic approach and the new inertial navigation system. Results showed no significant differences between both groups, suggesting that surgical navigation based on inertial measurement units (IMUs) could potentially be useful for guiding dental implant placement. However, more studies are still needed to translate this new approach into clinical practice.
Highlights
It is generally believed that prosthetically driven implant placement is a prerequisite to achieve the precise positioning required for the final restoration [1]
The present study aims to validate the potential usefulness of inertial measurement units (IMUs) technology to assist in the placement of dental implants
Sixty implants placed in 20 identical jaw models were included in this study
Summary
It is generally believed that prosthetically driven implant placement is a prerequisite to achieve the precise positioning required for the final restoration [1]. The proper placement of implants is necessary to prevent future technical and biological complications [2]. The accuracy of implant placement is inexorably subjected to the so-called “human factors” [3]. In this sense, virtual planning software and computer-assisted surgery have significantly improved the accurate transfer of implants from the pre-planned position to the final surgical position.
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