The application of digital technology in implant dentistry

Abstract

Implant treatment benefits from digital technology throughout its processes from treatment planning to surgery and even prosthetic treatment. Besides implant planning and simulation based on CT and STL data, the CAD/CAM system in guided surgery and superstructure fabrication has been increasingly employed. However, completely accurate placement cannot be achieved even with the guided surgery. In addition, no criterion has been set for selecting patients and materials for the CAD/CAM prosthesis. The present article summarizes the digital workflow on implant treatment, describing the usefulness of and problems with the guided surgery and CAD/CAM implant superstructure.