Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Desktop scanning protocol on accuracy of guided implant placement in completely edentulous patients.
.Methodology: Twenty four completely edentulous patients were selected for implant placement. Complete dentures were made for all the patients. Radioopaque markers were added to the dentures to be used as a radiographic stent. A Cone beam CT scan was then made for each patient while wearing the radiographic stent. The patients were then randomly divided into 2 equal groups. In the first group, a CBCT scan was made for the radiographic stent. In the second group, desktop scanning was made for the radiographic stent while being seated on the patient's cast and another scan for the patient's cast. After implant insertion, CBCT scan was made for each patient while wearing the radiographic stent. Superimposition of CBCT scans pre and post implant insertion was made. Deviations between planned and placed implant were measured in the lateral apical, lateral coronal and angular aspects.
Results: Non statistically significant difference between radiographic and desktop scanning on implant deviation was observed.
Conclusion: within limitation of this study, effect of both scanning protocols on the lateral apical, lateral coronal and angular deviations of placed implants is comparable.
Keywords: Desktop scanning, surgical guides, Completely edentulous patients, Deviation, Implants