The Use of Computer-Guided Surgery to Avoid Severe Buccal Defect and Lingual Concavity in Mandibular Implant Placement.

Dental implant treatment planning has traditionally been accomplished using 2-dimensional radiographs and stone models. Although historically this method has been used with success, there are limitations. Two-dimensional radiographs and stone models may not allow for accurate diagnosis of ridge defects or the presence of a mandibular lingual concavity. The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can help the dental practitioner identify such structures. Computer-generated surgical guides allow the dental surgeon to safely place implants in a minimally invasive manner. This case report describes the utilization of CBCT and computer-generated surgical guides to help facilitate mandibular dental implant placement in the presence of a buccal ridge defect and lingual concavity.