A novel stereolithographic surgical guide template for planning treatment involving a mandibular dental implant.

PURPOSE

In recent years, the concept of prosthodontic-driven implantology has received more attention. The precise placement of implants in accordance with greater safety and confidence allow the practitioner to offer a safer, more secure and predictable treatment than could previously be provided. In this report, this novel approach is illustrated through description of 1 difficult case.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using principles of computer-assisted design and rapid manufacturing, the data acquisitioned from computerized tomography was used to plan implant rehabilitation and to transfer this information to the surgery as well.

RESULTS

The procedure of implant planning in this sophisticated technique has potential to yield substantial public health benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

It was demonstrated that the versatility of the technique allows not only precise translation of the treatment plan to the patient's mouth, but also offers many additional significant benefits including use of special guides during surgery which would be difficult to achieve with traditional procedures.