Open AccessSignificance of cone beam computed tomography based implant treatment planning and fabrication of stereolithographic surgical guides for implant therapy in the nasopalatine canal region
Author(s) -
Ashok Balasundaram,
Laurence W. Seluk,
Erika Benavides,
Ravichandra Juluri,
Jon B. Suzuki,
Dincer C. Gurun
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of international clinical dental research organization
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2231-5357
pISSN - 2231-0754
DOI - 10.4103/2231-0754.131400
Subject(s) - cone beam computed tomography , neurovascular bundle , implant , medicine , radiation treatment planning , dentistry , computed tomography , orthodontics , surgery , radiation therapy
Implants are being used in practice today with ever increasing types of implants and simple procedures through which dentists can place them. However, the chance for a complication to occur while placing implants has been largely under-estimated. This is primarily because emphasis is not placed in avoiding important neurovascular structures such as the nasopalatine canal during implant surgery. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is being widely utilized in implant treatment planning. Third-party software is applied to CBCT data to enable treatment planning. Several of these treatment plans are used to fabricate stereo lithographic guides which will help with placement of the implant at the planned site with total precision. This case-review explains how CBCT can help in placing implants with the help of a surgical guide in anatomically challenged areas such as the nasopalatine canal