A laboratory training and evaluation technique for computer-aided oral implant surgery

Background Navigated oral implant surgery requires knowledge and skills in computed tomography (CT) imaging, three-dimensional (3D) planning, and use of surgical navigation systems. To improve teaching and training, a laboratory training and evaluation technique has been developed. Methods The technique uses a surgical navigation system, a dental dummy and anonymous data of previously treated patients, including duplicated dental stone casts, individualized registration mouthpieces and CT scans. Training consists of definition of the prosthetic goal, 3D planning and navigated model surgery. For evaluation, a post-surgical CT of the drilled dental stone casts is fused with the original planning CT. Results Each step of navigated implant surgery can be simulated and trained. Post-surgical evaluation includes Euclidean distance, normal distance, angular deviations and damage to critical anatomical structures, such as nerves and sinuses. Conclusions The presented technique allows for successful laboratory training and evaluation of computer-aided oral implant surgery. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.