Accuracy of image-guided implantology.

OBJECTIVES The accuracy of two commercially available systems for image-guided dental implant insertion based on infrared tracking cameras was compared with manual implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Phantoms of partially edentulous mandibles were used. In a master phantom, pilot boreholes for dental implants were placed. These boreholes were reproduced in slave phantoms using either of the two image-guided systems and manual implantation. The resulting positions were determined using a coordinate measurement machine and compared with the master model. RESULTS In comparison with manual implantation, the difference of borehole positions to the master phantom was significantly lower using either of the systems for image-guided implant insertion. CONCLUSION Image-guided insertion of dental implants is significantly more accurate than manual insertion. However, the accuracy that can be achieved with manual implantation is sufficient for most clinical situations.