Possibilities and limitations of computer-assisted implant planning and guided surgery in the anterior region

Three-dimensional (3D) implant positioning is an important prognostic factor for anterior dental implants. Modern 3D imaging and implant treatment planning systems are available today for precise dental implant planning and placement. The transfer of implant position information to industrially manufactured templates for guided implant surgery has been possible for years now. What is new is the possibility of combining the datasets with the surface scan data of a diagnostic wax-up and setup for prosthetic-driven implant planning. Digital setups can also be used. This article describes and discusses the available options for digital implant planning and guided surgery. Keywords: dental implantology, anterior implant, implant position, cone beam computed tomography, CAD/CAM surgical guide, 3D printing, complications