PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a stereolithographic surgical guide that was made with information from intraoral digital impressions and cone beam CT (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six sets of resin maxilla and mandible models with missing teeth were used in this study. Intraoral digital impressions were made. The virtual models provided by these intraoral digital impressions and by the CBCT scan images of the resin models were used to create a surgical guide. Implant surgery was performed on the resin models using the surgical guide. After implant placement, the models were subjected to another CBCT scan to compare the planned and actual implant positions. Deviations in position, depth and axis between the planned and actual positions were measured for each implant. RESULTS: The mean deviation of the insertion point and angulation were 0.28 mm and 0.26degrees, apex point were 0.11 mm and 0.14 mm respectively. The implants were situated at a mean of 0.44 mm coronal to the planned vertical position. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that stereolithographic surgical guides created without the use of impressions and stone models show promising accuracy in implant placement.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Tooth