We are now living in an age where preoperative examinations of oral implants are no longer limited to use of CT data in visual examinations of diagnostic images: through fabrication of computer models, the shape of the jawbone beneath the mucous membrane can also be understood through physical touch. This report uses case studies to present the new methodology and benefits of computerized bone models made with a 3D plaster printer.
The technique was first used in a maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure. Through the computerized bone model, we were able to understand the unique anatomical features of the patient. Further, because the model was made with plaster material, we were able to very closely simulate the feel of cutting in the actual surgery, enabling pre-surgery selection of implements and precise preparation for the surgical procedure. Next, we used the technique to fabricate provisional restorations for immediate loading in open flap surgery on an edentulous jaw. After connecting the edentulous jaw bone surface, with information gleaned from CT images, with the occlusal surface for the optimally arranged complete dentures, simultaneous fabrication made the previously difficult attachment of the computerized bone model of the edentulous jaw to the articulator possible, and we were able to prefabricate the provisional restorations for the implant.
The examples above show that computer models fabricated through 3D plaster printing make possible safe, reliable, surgical procedures. Further, highly precise fabrication of provisional restorations for prostheses for edentulous jaws is also possible, which clearly shows the notable clinical usefulness of the technique.