Computer-guided implant dentistry for precise implant placement: combining specialized stereolithographically generated drilling guides and surgical implant instrumentation.

The application of computed tomography (CT) and the use of computer software for dental implant therapy have significantly increased during the last several years. Dental implant positioning can be either "partially guided," where only osteotomy sites are prepared using sequential, removable surgical drilling guides (generated using computer software and through the process of stereolithography), or "totally guided," whereby one guide is used for osteotomy site preparation as well as implant delivery. Recently, the guided delivery of manufacturer-specific internal-connection implants has become available. Individualized protocols and specific instrumentation are employed under this approach to CT-based implant surgery. The purpose of this article is to expand on previous publications related to the use of prosthetically directed implant placement using computer software to ensure precise placement and predictable prosthetic outcomes. Three case reports are presented where precision-guided CT-based surgery was employed and the immediate delivery of a dental prosthesis was facilitated.