Guided implant surgery: principles and practice

Abstract

For dentists who were trained without computers and planning software, the introduction of any sort of digital technology can be met with reservation. Clinicians had to weigh the benefits of a new technique versus the cost and time involved in making it an effective investment. In low- and middle-income countries, the introduction of guided implant surgery is still in a nascent state. The procedures that fall into this category merge patients' data, both clinical and radiographic, to better visualize and guide access to the target site. Guided implant surgery is a minimally invasive, reproducible technique that substantially reduces the risk of injuring critical anatomical structures. Previously published data on guided implant surgery are limited and contain outdated methodology. In this review, the authors introduce the benefits, general principles and updated clinical workflow for guided dental implant surgery. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Guided implant surgery is a reproducible technique that results in predictable implant placement.