Accuracy of computer-guided implantation in the placement of one-piece ceramic dental implants in the anterior region: A prospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: Placement of one-piece ceramic dental implants requires precision, which can be enhanced by using a computer-guided system. This prospective clinical study examines the accuracy of partially guided implantation in the placement of one-piece ceramic implants in the anterior region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-piece ceramic dental implants were placed in 20 patients who were missing a central or lateral incisor. Partially guided dental implant placements were performed in all cases. The deviations in the implant positions were analyzed by superimposing post-operative cone beam computed tomography images over pre-operative treatment planning images. The results were reported as deviations (mean +/- standard deviation) for three aspects (3D offset, mesio-distal, labio-lingual, and apico-coronal) and in three dimensions (the angle, coronal, and apical parts). RESULTS: Implants were successfully placed in 20 patients. The mean angular deviation was 4.23+/-1.84 degrees , whereas the mean coronal 3D offset was 0.98+/-0.48 mm, and the mean apical 3D offset was 1.57+/-0.46 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A prospective clinical study involving 20 patients was conducted to measure the accuracy of computer-guided implantation of one-piece ceramic dental implants. Accuracy was determined by comparing the planned implant position to the actual position. Greater accuracy can be expected at the coronal part than at the apical part. The coronal 3D offset was found to be the most accurate.