A Comparison of Dental Implant Software Technology

Objectives: Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing implant design software has been on the rise for the past few decades. However, research regarding the effectiveness of different software systems appears to be lacking. We now aim to find the popularity of the various CAD/CAM systems available along with information regarding the satisfaction of use and the importance of surgical guides in relation to CAD/CAM software in implant design.
Methods: A survey was sent by email to around 8,000 dentists with 218 respondents. The survey aimed to discover both the popularity and subjective opinions on CAD/CAM implant design software in addition to assessing the usage and effectiveness of surgical guides. The data collected from the survey was then analyzed in order to develop a cross sectional understanding of the current status of CAD/CAM usage in implant dentistry.
Results: The survey study found that of the responding participants 41% use CAD/CAM software systems for implant design planning, with the most popular reasons for not using CAD/CAM software being that the dentist did not place implants (35%) and that the software was too expensive (21%). Popularity of different commercial software systems is presented along with satisfaction and likelihood of repurchasing the same system (Table 1). Furthermore, 77 % of CAD/CAM implant design software users used surgical guides to place implants.
Conclusions: In conclusion, dental implant software technology and its use were analyzed among surveyed dentists. Dentsply by Sirona was found to be the most popular system among CAD/CAM users.