Selecting the appropriate digital planning pathway for computer-guided implant surgery

The incorporation of virtual engineering into our profession and the digitalization of information are allowing us new perspectives and innovative alternatives for dental treatment modalities. The use of computer-guided implant-planning software allows the radiographic, prosthetic, surgical, and laboratory fields to be combined under a common virtual scenario, permitting complete virtual treatment planning. Different alternatives for the digital workflow have been described for computer-guided implant placement. In this article, we present a recommendation for selecting the appropriate digital workflow depending on the clinical situation to achieve precise computer-guided implant planning and a predictable treatment outcome. Keywords: computer-guided implant surgery, digital planning