Stereoscopic Technique for Conversion of Radiographic Guide into Implant Surgical Guide

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a new stereoscopic technique for conversion of radiographic guide into surgical guide for dental implant placement. Ten partially dentate patients requiring 18 implants for tooth replacement were recruited. Radiographic guides were modified with the addition of index rods for double computed tomography scanning. Implant positions were planned with implant planning software, and the stereoscopic angulations were measured. The radiographic guides were converted into surgical guides using either a generic bench drill (Group A, n = 9) or a milling machine (Group B, n = 9). Stereolithographic surgical guides were also made for three patients (Group S, n = 5). Differences between the planned and actual angulations were tested by pair-sample t-test. Difference of mean angle deviation among groups was tested by Brown-Forsythe test. Differences were considered significant if p < .05. Eighteen implant sites were successfully treated with the converted surgical guides. The mean angle deviation of Group A (1.3 ± 0.6°) was significantly greater than Group S (0.4 ± 0.6°), while no differences were found between Group B (0.9 ± 0.3°) and Group S. The linear error was greatest in Group A with 1.5 mm at the head and 1.8 mm at the apex of the implant. The use of this new stereoscopic technique appears to be an acceptable alternative method for converting radiographic guide into surgical guide.