Accuracy of Dental Implant Placement Using CBCT-Derived Mucosa-Supported Stereolithographic Template

Purpose: The aim of the present in vivo study was to evaluate whether a difference exists between the maxilla and the mandible regarding the precision of implant placement utilizing a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-derived mucosa-supported stereolithographic (SLA) template.

Materials And Methods: Eighty implants (44 maxilla, 36 mandible) were placed in 18 fully edentulous jaws (10 maxillas, eight mandibles) using a mucosa-supported SLA surgical template. A voxel-based registration technique was applied to match the postoperative and preoperative CBCT scans.

Results: Vertical deviation (p = .026) at the implant hex and angular deviation (p = .0188) were significantly lower in the maxilla than in the mandible. The global linear deviation and lateral deviation at the implant hex were not significantly different. At the implant apex, the average maximum vertical deviation was within 1 mm (0.1-4.6 mm). The average maximum lateral deviation was 1.8 mm (0.9-5.5 mm) in the maxilla and 2.3 mm (0.5-5.5 mm) in the mandible when a 15-mm-long implant was placed.

Conclusions: When using CBCT-derived mucosa-supported SLA templates, clinicians should be aware of differences in the angular deviation of the implants in the mandible and maxilla. The average maximum linear deviation should be considered as a safety margin at the implant apex.