DIGITAL IMPLANT PLANNING: A BRIEF NARRATIVE REVIEW

Recently, the development of radiology, and software engineering, has led to the development of a new protocol called computer-assisted implantology (CAI) or guided implantology. CT / CBCT scanners allow the dentist to visualize a patients anatomy in 3 dimensions. Define the precise measurement of bone for implant placement, soft tissue thickness, proximity and adjacent root anatomy. The exact location of the maxillary sinuses, and other relevant vital structures such as mandibular canal, mental and incisal foramen canal. Once the images are imported, to the software the clinician can then virtually begin treatment planning. The type and size of the planned implant, its position in the bone, its relationship to the restoration and adjacent teeth and/or implants, and its proximity to vital structures can be determined prior to surgery. Computer-generated surgical drill guides can then be manufactured from the virtual treatment plan.