Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of placed implants using two different guided implant surgery materials: thermoplastic vs. 3-D printed surgical guides. Methodology: Twenty duplicate mandibular models, ten thermoplastic and ten 3-D printed surgical guides were used. Twenty implants were placed following the guided surgery protocol. Cone beam computed tomography scans of placed implants and the control implant were superimposed to measure deviations. Results: The thermoplastic group showed average deviations of 3.4 degrees, 1.3mm at the head, and 1.6mm at the apex of the implant compared to 2.36 degrees, 0.51mm, and 0.76mm for the 3-D printed group; p= 0.143, p<0.001, and p<0.001 respectively. Conclusion: There is a significant difference in the accuracy of the location of the implant head and apex between thermoplastic and 3-D printed surgical guides.