Abstract
Dentists routinely treat oral hard tissues such as teeth and jawbones. At present, dental offices generally use dental and panoramic radiographic equipments for pretreatment examination and diagnosis.
However when two-dimensional images obtained by these equipments are not sufficient for diagnosis before implant placement. Computed Tomography( CT) is very useful to obtain more precise three-dimensional diagnostic information.
Recent spread of CT has enabled us to access to images those are more detailed and precise, and to diagnose problematic anatomy previously to implant placement. Progress in image processing technique has also made it possible to easily reconstruct images on the personal computer on the market and simulate implant recipient site by digitizing three-dimensional image information. Furthermore, surgical guide can be fabricated by applying CAD / CAM for placing an implant fixture in the accurate location by regulating the position and direction during surgery. That makes implant placement surgery accurate, safe and quick.
I will report cases to discuss how CT and the implant placement simulation software can contribute to the preoperative examination and diagnosis of Implant therapy.
