Assessment of image-guided surgical stent system for implant placement

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate how precise the data from computerized image-guided surgical planning software (CISPlan) for dental implants can be transferred to the operative field by means of a drilling template, containing high-precision drilling sleeves, fitted on the jawbone. Methods: This procedure was experimentally carried out in 1 model , 3 cadavers and later in 16 consecutive human patients with mandibular missing teeth. The developed system was composed of Spiral CT Scanner (GE LightSpeed Ultra), CISPlan, the interactive software for predictable surgical planning of dental implants placement, developed at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering ( Shanghai Jiaotong University). Results: The results indicated a nearly perfect match between the positions and axes of the placed implants and those planned. The accuracy of the implant position achieved at the maxillar and mandibular crest satisfies biomechanical, anatomical and esthetic requirements. Conclusions: These encouraging results of image-guided surgical stent system are presently being further investigated at the clinical level.