20 years experience with computer-assisted implantology – retrospective, experiences and future developments


At the beginning of the Nineties, the pioneering  spirit already demanded to dare in the field of implantology. In reality at that time we were proud of the fact that the metal parts were actually retained in the jaws. We were nor concerned about the emergence profile yet.

With further developments and with the increasing clinical confidence, considerations on superstructures have begun. What is important in reality is the result. What’s the use of an osseointegrated implant if it’s not possible to build a prosthesis on it, or if it is possible only with very big efforts? Today we are proud of having created the “backward planning” concept. Starting from a setup, the concept of an objective, a strategy is developed which after all starts with the exact determination of the implant position or, if necessary, with the preparatory measures. Nasty surprises are therefore shut off once and for all.

With similar methods, after a try-in and a mock-up with the related silicone jigs, everything is over. No one recognizes the bone structures inside a stone model. Only the use of digital technology paved the way to an effective implant planning. In addition to the digital three-dimensional recording of the intraoral situation, the basis of success lies in 3-D X-rays and then in the combination of the two data worlds (matching). Of course this requires a suitable software as well as the possibilities deriving from it for the operational part, for example in the form of perforation guiding templates. The authors Kurbad and Reichel published an article on this subject matter already in 2010. What at that time was still laughed at, is now considered everyday standard.

The incredibly rapid development in the field of digital technologies will continue even in the future. It is conceivable to realize on initially only virtually installed implants not only a perforation guiding template, but also a superstructure, even only for “immediate provisionalization”. 3D printing will replace removal procedures like milling and grinding in many fields. We aren’t yet, and we won’t be for a long time, at the end of an impressive development that every day inspires fascination and enthusiasm – in the interest of our patients.


  Edition 2017
  21/10/2017
  09:00 - 10:00

Speakers


Kurbad Andreas
Read the curriculum  
Kurbad Andreas
Reichel Kurt
Read the curriculum  
Reichel Kurt
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