Accuracy of full-guided vs. pilot-guided implant insertion - A prospective laboratory study in fifth-year dental students.

Abstract

Education of undergraduates in implant dentistry has been extended. In order to assess the correct implant position, the accuracy of implant insertion using templates for pilot-drill guided and full-guided implant insertion was examined in a laboratory set-up in a cohort of undergraduates. After three-dimensional planning of the implant position in partially edentulous mandibular models, individual templates for the pilot-drill guided or full-guided implant insertion in the region of the first premolar were produced. A total of 108 dental implants were inserted. The results of the radiographic evaluation of the three-dimensional accuracy were statistically analyzed. Furthermore, the participants completed a questionnaire. The deviation of the three-dimensional angle of the implants inserted fully guided was 2.74±1.49 degrees compared to 4.59±2.70 degrees for pilot-drill guided. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). The returned questionnaires revealed a high interest in oral implantology and a positive evaluation of the hands-on course. In this study, the undergraduates benefited from applying full-guided implant insertion considering the accuracy in this laboratory examination. However, the clinical effects are not clear as the differences are within a small range. Based on the returned questionnaires, the implementation of practical courses in the undergraduate curriculum should be encouraged.