An Operatory Dental Implant Surgical Guide for Partial Edentulism

Abstract: Objectives: With the increasing demand for dental implants, related complications are increasing as well. This is particularly significant in partial edentulism, for it may have an undesirable effect on the adjacent teeth. Several tools and surgical guides have been developed to prevent these complications. The objective of this study was to design, fabricate and assess the efficacy of a novel surgical guide for dental implants in partially edentulous patients. Methods: The designed surgical guide consists of one graded rocket and 8 accessories (4 pairs) with diameters of 6,7,8 and 9 millimeters and the height of 6mm. Each of the accessory pairs have two passage holes (for 2 and 2.8 mm drills). Efficacy was measured by placing 15 implants in identical partially edentulous jaw models. Postoperative CBCT was obtained and used for analyzing the following three measurements: implant-tooth mesiodistal distance, Inter-implant mesiodistal distance, and inter-implant angulation. Data analysis was done by One sample T-test. (α=0.005) Results: One Sample T-test revealed statistically significant difference between the planned and actual values in the implant-tooth mesiodistal distance (P<0.001) and inter-implant distance (P=0.005). However, no statistically significant difference was found in implant angulation(P=0.073). The mean implant-tooth mesiodistal distance, inter-implant mesiodistal distance, and inter-implant angulation were 0.29±0.19 mm, 0.03±0.17 mm, and 3.88±4.20°, respectively. Conclusions: Clinically acceptable mean values were achieved in this study. This novel surgical guide showed reliable positional accuracy in achieving optimal inter-implant angulation, inter implant mesiodistal distance and tooth-implant mesiodistal distance, providing a simple and straightforward option for the clinician