The advantages of Computer Implantology are significant and can be summarized in: possibility of operating with a minimally invasive approach, greater accuracy and safety, reduction of surgical time, greater prosthetic success, possibility of manufacturing the prosthesis before the surgery.
The system we use is a semi active one and consists in a integrated treatment sequence, that generally involves the following steps:
1. Fabrication of a radiopaque diagnostic appliance (Scanprosthesis©), exact replica of the final prosthesis (acceptance prosthesis).
2. Computed Tomography generally performed by spiral CT. It is essential to include in the scan the radiopaque template so to integrate the anatomical with the functional and aesthetic
determinants.
3. Digital 3D CT-based surgical planning
4. CAM fabrication of stereolithographic oral appliances that exactly transfer the computerized planning to the surgical field
5. Computer-Aided Surgery.
There are now numerous CT-based software available for 3-D implant planning. With this software the jaws can be seen from any viewpoint and the implants virtually placed according to the bone anatomy and prosthesis design.
Once the planning was completed it was sent via the Internet to the production centre where by using CAM technology (Computer Aided Manufacturing) custom drill guides (SurgiGuides©) have been
produced by a laser that polymerize liquid acrylic resin in layers (stereolithography). After resin polymerization, stainless steel drill guide cylinders of different diameters are positioned along the
planned implant axis. Once assembled the SurgiGuides are ready for the surgical treatment and sent to the dental office.
The SurgiGuides© provide a link between the digital plan and the actual surgery. Such drill guides render obsolete the traditional mental transfer of the planning to the surgery and the mental navigation process that while giving a great deal of freedom to the surgeon, just because of that increases variability and errors compared to the planning.
The 1st International Computer Aided Implantology Academy Congress (May 2006) will take place in Rome. Speakers and Moderators from all around the world will contribute with their experience to the knowledge in the Computer Guided Implantology and the most commonly used software systems and platforms.
The CAI Academy is an international non-profit association that oganizes workshops, implantology courses and congresses for Implantologists and Prosthesists who need continuous adjournments and education on Computer Assisted Implantology.