New workflow from Carestream Dental improves implant placement predictability

Carestream Dental has introduced CS Solutions for Implants, a digital integrated implant solution to support more confident diagnoses, improved treatment planning, better patient/referral communication and greater confidence when placing implants.

"CBCT volumes and digital impressions give doctors a 360 degree view of the bone and soft tissue situation in stunning 3D for better diagnostics," said Ed Shellard, DMD, vice president, sales and marketing, Carestream Dental. "However, that's just the first step. This new solution takes treatment planning to the next level by combining state-of the-art 3D technologies with the practice of prosthetic-driven implant planning."

Prosthetically-driven implant planning starts by combining the data from a digital impression taken by either the CS 3500 or CS 3600 intraoral scanner and a CBCT scan by either the CS 8100 3D extraoral imaging system or CS 9300 system. The two scans are automatically aligned in CS 3D Imaging software to create a virtual set-up with little to no manipulation required from the doctor.

Next, a new Prosthetic-Driven Implant Planning module of CS 3D Imaging allows doctors to virtually plan the crown and implant on the same screen to ensure that the implant is positioned according to the ideal future restoration and not the other way around. Doctors add the crown to the combined scanner/CBCT datasets and place the implant from a library featuring more than 60 manufacturers. They can also create their own implants and manage their own library.

"The prosthetic-driven planning function of CS 3D Imaging software helps doctors make better decisions about optimal crown and implant position, which leads to more control over the final clinical and aesthetic outcomes," said Marianne Belcari, global product line manager, CS Solutions, Carestream Dental. "Not to mention, since the restoration and implant are visualised within the same software, it makes for more efficient planning."

"From 3D scans to the finished surgical guide, CS Solutions for Implants is a fully integrated and digital solution for implant treatment," Dr Shellard said. "The digital workflow improves efficiency by eliminating many treatment steps and appointments and improving collaborative planning. Not only that, the accuracy of digital leads to more predictable results."

The CS 3500 and CS 3600 intraoral scanners make creating digital impressions easy. The CS 3500 has been recognised by the American Dental Association for its accuracy,¹ while the CS 3600, Carestream Dental's newest scanner, features high-speed continuous scanning and an Intelligent Matching System that allows users to fill in any missing information in the dataset.

The CS 8100 3D features 3D imaging, panoramic imaging and model scanning - all in one unit - and boasts the smallest footprint of any 3D system. The CS 9300 can provide 3D exams at up to 85 per cent lower dose than traditional 2D panoramic imaging while in Low Dose mode.² Both units offer multiple fields of views to support a wide variety of clinical applications.

CS 3D Imaging software allows users to easily review CBCT images and share with referrals, as well as to plan implants. With its latest version, users can also generate implant reports in a single click. All 3D data from Carestream Dental's CBCT units and intraoral scanners are stored centrally in a single imaging software to facilitate data management.

1. Hack, Gary D., D.D.S, and Sebastian B.M. Patzelt, D.M.D., Dr Med Dent. "Evaluation of the Accuracy of Six Intraoral Scanning Devices: An In-Vitro Investigation." ADA Professional Product Review Sept. 2015: 1-5 Print.
2. Based on study by John Ludlow, University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry, utilizing the CS 9300 low dose protocol, June 2011.