Accuracy of implant treatment planning utilizing template-guided reformatted computed tomography

Objectives: To evaluate the magnitude of error in transferring the planned position of implants from reformatted CT scans to a surgical template. Methods: The deviation between the position of the apex of the proposed implant in paraxial CT reformats and on the corresponding study cast was measured in 77 prospective sites in five maxillas and nine mandibles. Results: The transfer error was 0.6 (s.d. 0.4) mm in the maxilla and 0.3 (s.d. 0.4) mm in the mandible. Conclusions: The transfer errors detected in this investigation are not clinically relevant. Other factors involved in transferring positional and angular measurements from reformatted CT to the surgical site may result in more significant errors.