Use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and a Laser Intraoral Scanner in Virtual Dental Implant Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new procedure capable of coupling 2 data sets from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and an intraoral laser digital scanner to produce a stereolithographic model and surgical guide. METHODS: Use of DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) format data obtained from CBCT scan images merged with standard triangulation language (STL) file data obtained from digital impressions using an intraoral laser scanner. The 2 data sets were electronically sent to a 3-dimensional imaging and technology software company over the Internet to fabricate a stereolithographic model of the jaws and surgical guide without the use of stone or plaster models obtained from traditional dental impressions. CONCLUSION: STL file data are able to accurately fabricate a stereolithographic model and surgical guide for implant surgery.