Real Versus Virtual Position of Single Implants Installed in Premaxilla via Guided Surgery: A Proof of Concept Analyzing Positional Deviations
The aim of this research letter was to report the results of a pilot study designed to compare the real and virtual position of implants placed using computer-guided flapless implant surgery for single restorations in the premaxilla. A total of 8 patients (2 men and 6 women) with a mean age of 40 years old (range: 32–73 years) had a total of 11 implants inserted using a tooth-supported stereolithographic guide. After implant placement, the positions (coronal, central, and apical) and angulation of the implants installed in relation to those planned were determined via the superposition of pre- and postoperative 3-dimensional models using Dental Slice software (Bioparts, Brasília, Brazil). The mean angular deviation was 2.54° ± 0.71°. The deviations found for the coronal, central, and apical positions were 1.3 ± 0.77 mm, 1.49 ± 0.58 mm, and 2.13 ± 1.32 mm, respectively.

Figure 1. (a) Frontal view of the computerized tomography (CT) guide; (b) Occlusal view of the CT guide. Figure 2. (a) Trying out the CT guide; (b) CT guide stabilized via molding in condensation silicone for scanning in the occlusion position.

DentalSlice software showing the virtual planning.

Figure 4. Trying out the tooth-supported surgical guide to evaluate adaptability and stability. Figure 5. Alignment of the virtual implant planning image (pink) and the position of the placed implant (yellow) using DentalSlice. Figure 6. Calculation of the deviations between the planned and placed implants.

Summary of the sequence applied in the methodology.

Linear and angular measurements of the implants in the anterior and posterior segments of the maxilla.
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