Time efficiency and operator convenience of using a micro-screw in image registration for guided implant surgery / 대한치과보철학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The image registration of radiographic image and digital surface data is essential in the computer-guided implant guide system. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using micro-screw on the working time and convenience of operators in the process of image matching for guided implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mandibular dental model was prepared in partial edentulism for Kennedy class I classification. Two micro-screws were placed on the each side of retromolar area. Radiographic and scan images were taken using computed-tomography and digital scanning. The images were superimposed by 12 operators in software in two different conditions: using remaining teeth image alone and using teeth and micro-screws images. Working time, operator convenience and satisfaction were obtained, and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (α=.05). RESULTS: The working time was not statistically different between image registration conditions (P>.05); however, operator convenience and satisfaction were higher in the teeth and micro-screw assisted condition than in the teeth-alone assisted condition (P<.001). CONCLUSION: The use of microscrew for the image registration has no effect in working time reduction, but improves operator convenience and satisfaction.