Conventional Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (CT) and Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) for Computer-Aided Implant Placement. Part II: Reliability of Mucosa-Supported Stereolithographic Guides

Purpose: Deviations of implants that were placed by conventional computed tomography (CT)- or cone beam CT (CBCT)-derived mucosa-supported stereolithographic (SLA) surgical guides were analyzed in this study. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients were randomly scanned by a multi-slice CT (CT group) or a CBCT scanner (CBCT group). A total of 108 implants were planned on the software and placed using SLA guides. A new CT or CBCT scan was obtained and merged with the planning data to identify the deviations between the planned and placed implants. Results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test and multiple regressions (p<.05). Results: Mean angular and linear deviations in the CT group were 3.30 degrees (SD 0.36), and 0.75 (SD 0.32) and 0.80mm (SD 0.35) at the implant shoulder and tip, respectively. In the CBCT group, mean angular and linear deviations were 3.47 degrees (SD 0.37), and 0.81 (SD 0.32) and 0.87mm (SD 0.32) at the implant shoulder and tip, respectively. No statistically significant differences were detected between the CT and CBCT groups (p=.169 and p=.551, p=.113 for angular and linear deviations, respectively). Conclusions: Implant placement via CT- or CBCT-derived mucosa-supported SLA guides yielded similar deviation values. Results should be confirmed on alternative CBCT scanners.