Influence of alveolar ridge morphology and guide-hole design on the accuracy of static Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery with two implant macro-designs: An in vitro study

Abstract

Objectives: The primary aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of alveolar ridge morphologies on the accuracy of static Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery (sCAIS). The secondary aims were to evaluate the influence of guide-hole design and implant macro-design on the accuracy of the final implant position.

Methods: Eighteen standardized partially edentulous maxillary models with two different types of alveolar ridge morphologies were used. Each model was scanned via cone beam computer tomography prior to implant placement and scanned with a laboratory scanner prior to and following implant placement using sCAIS. The postsurgical scans were superimposed on the initial treatment planning position to measure the deviations between planned and postsurgical implant positions.

Results: Seventy-two implants were equally distributed to the study groups. Implants placed in healed alveolar ridges showed significantly lower mean deviations at the crest (0.36 ± 0.17 mm), apex (0.69 ± 0.36 mm), and angular deviation (1.86 ± 0.99°), compared to implants placed in fresh extraction sites (0.80 ± 0.29 mm, 1.61 ± 0.59 mm, and 4.33 ± 1.87°; all p<0.0001). Implants placed with a sleeveless guide-hole design demonstrated significantly lower apical (1.02 ± 0.66 mm) and angular (2.72 ± 1.93°) deviations compared to those placed with manufacturer's sleeves (1.27 ± 0.67 mm; p = 0.01, and 3.46 ± 1.9°; p = 0.02). Deep-threaded tapered bone level implants exhibited significantly lower deviations at the crest (0.49 ± 0.28 mm), apex (0.97 ± 0.63 mm), and angular deviations (2.63 ± 1.85°) compared to shallow-threaded parallel-walled bone level implants (0.67 ± 0.34 mm; p = 0.0005, 1.32 ± 0.67 mm; p = 0.003, and 3.56 ± 1.93°; p = 0.01).

Conclusions: The accuracy of the final implant position with sCAIS is determined by the morphology of the alveolar ridge, the design of the guide holes, and the macrodesign of the implant.

Clinical significance: Higher accuracy in the final implant position was observed with implants placed in healed alveolar ridge morphologies, in implants with deep-threaded tapered macro-design, and when sleeveless surgical guide holes were used.

Keywords: Dental implant; Digital imaging/radiology; Image-guided surgery; Single tooth; Static computer assisted implant surgery; Surgical guide.