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A c c u r a c y o f c o m p u t e r - a s s i s t e d i m p l a n t p l a c e m e n t C o n c l u s i o n Within the limitations of the present randomized controlled trial, it was found that intraoral digital impressions may be a viable alternative to conventional impressions and scan models for the rehabilitation of par- tially edentulous patients using computer-guided template-assisted implant placement. K e y w o r d s Intraoral scanner, digital impression, guided surgery, accuracy, dental implants. Introduction Proper implant position has a significant impact on the esthetic and functional outcomes of implant-supported restorations.1, 2 Therefore, the implant must be placed accurately according to the treatment plan. Computer-assisted template-based implant placement (guided sur- gery) has become increasingly popular owing to improved planning and the higher transfer accu- racy of the virtual plan to the surgical site com- pared with freehand insertion or freehand final drilling.3 Hence, it has undoubtedly been a major achievement to provide optimal 3-D implant positioning with respect to both anatomical and prosthetic parameters, as well as higher patient satisfaction.4 A recently published meta-analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies found a total mean error of 1.12 mm at the entry point and 1.39 mm at the apex.5 The accuracy of computer-assisted template- based implant placement depends on several factors, from data set acquisition to the surgical procedure. Originally, guided surgery protocols advocated a dual-scan protocol.6 In recent years, new technologies combining data from computed tomography (CT) or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images with information on the soft tissue and crown morpho logy have been developed. Dedicated software allows for accurate virtual implant planning, always based on the prosthetic volume of the teeth to be rehabilitated and making immediate loading easier.4, 7–9 Surgical guides may be produced by computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacture technology, such as stereolithography, manually in a dental lab- oratory or by high-resolution 3-D printer. Finally, irrespective of the method of manufacture, the optimal fit of the surgical template and its stabi lization are essential to accurately transfer the virtual implant position to the patient’s mouth. Digital impressions replace the need for con- ventional materials that can be inconvenient and messy for patients. Today, there is no doubt about the potential of recent intraoral optical impression systems available on the market as regards diagnosis and the treatment plan. Par- ticularly noteworthy is the complete integration with other digital technologies to provide for accurate and faster patient-centered health solutions.10, 11 Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of writing this article, there were no other published randomized clin- ical trials evaluating a fully digital approach to computer-assisted template-based implant placement. The aim of the present study was to compare implant survival rate, template-related compli- cations and virtual planning accuracy of computer- assisted template-based implant placement using a conventional impression and scan model or digital impression. The null hypothesis was that there would be no differ- ence between these interventions. This trial is reported in accordance with the CONSORT Statement for improving the quality of reporting of parallel-group randomized trials.12 Materials and methods This study was designed as a randomized con- trolled trial of parallel-group design conducted at a private center in Rome, between May 2016 and March 2017. Surgical and prosthetic proce- dures were performed by one expert clinician (MT). To the best of our knowledge, at the time of writing this article, there were no other similar Journal of Oral Science & Rehabilitation Volume 3 | Issue 3/2017 09