Comparative Evaluation Of Accuracy Between Various Surface Tracing Techniques Under Dynamic Navigation

Background: Dynamic navigation systems have enhanced the precision of dental implant placement. However, the necessity of combining intraoral scanning (IOS) with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for improved accuracy remains debatable. Aim: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of implant placement using CBCT alone versus CBCT combined with IOS under dynamic navigation. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 dentate patients requiring mandibular posterior implants were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 underwent implant planning using CBCT and IOS, while Group 2 used CBCT data alone. All surgeries were performed using dynamic navigation (Navident system), and postoperative deviations were assessed using CBCT-based analysis. Results: Across most anatomical reference points, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups. Statistically significant differences were found only in apex mesiodistal deviation at site 36 (mean+/-SD (N) - 0.28 ± 0.52 (20));(0.28 mm, p = 0.02) and apex vertical deviation at site 37 (mean+/-SD (N) - 0.32 ± 0.68 (20)); (0.32 mm, p = 0.04); however, these remained within clinically acceptable limits (<0.5 mm). Conclusion: The addition of IOS to CBCT did not result in significantly improved implant placement accuracy under dynamic navigation, suggesting CBCT alone provides sufficient accuracy in clinical settings.