Computer-assisted implantotogy: Historical background and potential outcomes - A review

Background The accurate transfer of preoperatively determined implant positions to the patient mouth is very beneficial to the dental practitioner as well as patients. The objective of this paper was to review the gradual development of computer-assisted implant surgery. Methods All of the major data sources including unpublished data in the internet are considered Results and Conclusions Computer-assisted/-guided/-aided implantology has been founded to overcome the errors encountered during implant osteotomies and to position the implants more precisely. The protocols followed by this sophisticated technique are based upon the advocated concept of prosthetic-driven implantology and CT-scan analysis recently approved. Although several attempts have been made to improve this approach more and more, little has been done regarding the patient's demands, including cost. The inherent complexity of the techniques and materials utilized necessitates several degrees of training before attempting treatment and must be taken into account. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.