Deviations between placed and planned implant positions: an accuracy pilot study of skeletally supported stereolithographic surgical templates.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate deviations between virtually planned and placed implants by the use of skeletally supported stereolithographic templates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients were selected for virtual three-dimensional implant planning using the Facilitate(TM) software (Astra Tech AB, Molndal, Sweden). Computer tomography images were obtained in the pre- and postoperative phase. Four deviation parameters (i.e. global, angular, depth, and lateral deviation) were defined and calculated between the planned and the placed implants, using the coordinates of their respective apical and coronal points. RESULTS: Deviations at the coronal positions appeared to be smaller (95% confidence interval: 0.15-1.0) as compared with apical positions (95% confidence interval: 0.14-1.1). But only the difference with regard to lateral measurements appeared to be statistically significant (p = .03). Except for depth (p = .01), no significant association between mesial or more distal locations could be detected concerning global (p = .07), lateral (p = .87), and angular (p = .56) values in mixed model analyses. Overall, there was a slight tendency for higher values for more distal locations. CONCLUSION: As slight deviations between planned and placed implants especially may occur even with skeletal-supported templates, the clinician should be aware not to overestimate advocated surgical safety by using static navigation tools.