Computer-aided implant therapy [Terapia implantare computer-assistita]

CAD-CAM technology allows to plan implant position on CT images and to produce customized surgical template to transfer this information to surgical sites. The aim of this study was to check utility and accuracy of a new CAD-CAM system in the treatment of full and partial edentulism. 10 patients were enrolled in the sample and treated with the system. All patients received a template and underwent CT-DentaScan. CT images were used for planning implant position with the software. Patients were divided into two groups: the "Guided Group", where implant placement as well as drilling was template guided; and the "Non-Guided Group", where only drilling was template-guided. Overall 92 implants were placed. Two months after surgery a control CT-scan was taken and images of both planned and placed implants were compared. Success rate in repeating virtually planned implant position was 96.55% on the vestibular-oral/lingual axis; 86.21% on the mesio-distal axis and 91.38% on the whole. When implant placement was not template guided, success rates were lower. Distances from anatomical landmarks were always respected. The software allows to make accurate pre-surgical evaluation and treatment programs and to transfer them safely to surgical sites. This system appear to be a valid help in the treatment of difficult implant-supported rehabilitations.