CT-based CAD/CAM System of Surgical guiding plate for Dental Implantology

Objective: Relevant data for individual maxillae and mandibles, collected from CT scans, can provide precise descriptions of space structures and bone quality desired by implant practitioners, with the benefit of advanced 3-D reconstruction techniques when planning for implant surgery. Implant practitioners are able to realize ideal plans only with the navigation of surgery guiding plates based on those data. The guiding plates are often handmade or CAD/CAM products. This research project aimed to develop a CT-based CAD/CAM System of Surgical Guiding Plates for Dental Implantology.

Methods: Three modules were designed to make up the system, including: (A).a graphic manipulation platform, (B) a supporting database for processing integrated medical information, and (C) an NC RP system.

Results: Module A performed the functions of bone 3-D reconstruction and virtual inplant surgery. Module B supported the functions of inquiry, research, and management of patient information. Module C, with a 5 DOF NC machine as its main component, served to produce a real guiding plate based on the acquired data which described an identical digital model.

Conclusion: The system can successfully perform all designed functions and produce real guiding plates for implant surgery. It might be applicable in daily treatment after a series of optimizations.