Implant Surgical Guides

The success of implant therapy begins with appropriate treatment planning and properly performed implant placement surgery. Surgical models and guidance have acquired a new dimension with the integration of CAD/CAM technology and computer-guided surgery. With the advent of low-radiation cone-beam computed tomography, access to CT data is simplified and, in turn, advanced diagnosis and fabrication of CAD/CAM surgical guides becomes more realistic. Precision has been improved and uncertainty and surgical time have been reduced, thus addressing complex rehabilitation with greater confidence. In addition, predictable positioning allows for better prosthetic outcome by simplifying abutment selection and avoiding complex laboratory fabrication when misalignment must be corrected. In addition, novel techniques are emerging that may enable the preparation of the final prosthesis before implant placement. Precise guidance is crucial to such complex reconstruction so that minimal adaptation is performed after surgery. Future technical improvements likely will allow dentists to access these technologies while controlling costs, reducing surgical time and minimizing restorative steps.