Neodent Discovery: Avoiding complication and achieving successful outcomes through advanced diagnosis and treatment planning—free-hand vs guided protocols

Dental implantology has evolved because of significant technological advances in digital imaging, increased computing power to enhance interactive treatment planning software, links to CAD/CAM and stereolithography applications which could be used to enhance diagnosis and treatment planning, providing accurate information to fabricate static surgical guides for dental implant placement. As the dental industry and the patient population have accepted dental implants as “conventional” dentistry each year the number of dental implants placed increases.

However, while the success rate remains extremely high, complications can result for a variety of reasons compromising treatment outcomes. Implants that are placed at unfavorable angles outside of the restorative envelope present specific obstacles where the only solution is explantation followed by revision if possible. Malpositioned implants placed free-hand present a particularly difficult challenge for the restorative or surgical clinician as well as the patient, who may have to undergo several procedures to correct the initial surgical intervention.

Learning objectives:

• To demonstrate the importance of 3D imaging, proper diagnosis, and treatment planning concepts to avoid complications.
• To demonstrate how to evaluate and manage malpositioned implants and to plan successful revisions.
• To demonstrate the use of 3D printing for the fabrication of advanced surgical guides.
• Understanding full-template guidance surgical kits.