Virtual Prototyping and Physical Models in oral implantar surgery

In the paper the authors analyse a new methodology for oral implantar surgery by using virtual and Rapid Prototyping (RP) techniques. The methodology involves a biological and therapeutical improvement because it can simplify anatomical surgical management and stress distribution into prosthetic system (fixtures/abutment/denture). A clinical case of a female patient, seventy years old, with severe mandibular atrophy, was considered. Two Branemark implants were implanted to the patient by this not traditional way. From tomographic data, virtual models were obtained along with RP physical models and useful related surgiguides. In the study the authors compare two different methods: surgical and clinical guide. The results indicate how important is starting with an accurate planning to reduce any problem related to surgery and to identify bone density and physical strength. Furthermore, the proposed methodology assures location of fixtures and denture among geometric planes to be suitable in terms of resistance and stability.