3D printed Models from CBCT Data
Digital Planning and 3D Printing in Implant Dentistry
Prosthodontist Duluth MN
Three-dimensional printing allows digital imaging data to be transformed into a physical model of a patient’s anatomy. In implant dentistry, these models can help connect what we see on a CBCT scan with digital treatment planning and the clinical procedure.
At Dental Implant & Reconstructive Center, 3D models are used as part of our digital implant-planning workflows and may also be used to help evaluate anatomy when planning more complex surgical procedures.
FROM STEREOLITHOGRAPHY TO MODERN 3D PRINTING
Stereolithography was one of the early technologies used to create physical, anatomically accurate 3D models from digital imaging data. The stereolithography process is a rapid-prototyping method that fabricates three-dimensional resin models from digital data, including data obtained from computed tomography (CT).
The models shown on this page are examples of this earlier stereolithographic technology. What was once commonly described as “rapid prototyping” has evolved into the digital design and 3D-printing workflows used throughout implant dentistry today.
2 color model – blue teeth
Two color model – lower jaw
Early stereolithographic models created from CT imaging data.
WHEN DO WE USE 3D PRINTED MODELS?
Three-dimensional models can be used in several ways during implant treatment.
When Dr. Roxanna J. Esguerra plans guided implant surgery using SimPlant, the workflow includes a physical 3D-printed model representing the tooth- or bone-supported anatomy. This provides a tangible representation of the anatomy used during the digital planning and surgical-guide process.
Physical anatomical models can also provide an additional perspective when preparing for advanced surgical procedures. Dr. Esguerra may use patient-specific models created from CBCT data to visualize anatomy, evaluate spatial relationships, and prepare for treatment before the procedure begins.
This can be particularly useful when planning advanced implant surgery, including selected zygomatic implant cases, where understanding three-dimensional anatomical relationships is especially important.
HOW DO 3D PRINTED MODELS FIT INTO IMPLANT PLANNING?
Three-dimensional models are one part of a larger digital workflow.
CBCT imaging provides information about the patient’s underlying anatomy. Digital impressions provide information about the teeth and soft tissues. Implant-planning software—including SimPlant and coDiagnostiX®—allows this information to be evaluated together with the planned restoration.
When guided surgery is appropriate, a surgical guide can then be designed to help transfer the virtually planned implant position to the clinical procedure.
Importantly, the technology does not determine the treatment plan. It provides information and tools that allow the surgical and restorative aspects of implant treatment to be planned together.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SHOW?
Computer-assisted implant surgery has been studied extensively. Research demonstrates that surgical guides can improve the transfer of a virtually planned implant position to the clinical procedure. However, guided surgery is not perfectly accurate, and differences between the planned and actual implant position can still occur.
A systematic review and meta-analysis reported average deviations of approximately 1.2 mm at the implant entry point, 1.4 mm at the implant apex, and 3.5 degrees in angulation with static computer-assisted implant surgery. These findings reinforce the importance of appropriate safety margins during digital planning.
For this reason, digital planning and surgical guides do not replace knowledge of anatomy, surgical technique, appropriate safety margins, or clinical judgment. A surgical guide is also not necessary for every implant procedure. Dr. Esguerra determines when guided surgery provides a meaningful clinical advantage based on the individual treatment plan.
HOW HAS THIS TECHNOLOGY CHANGED?
The models pictured on this page represent an earlier generation of a technology that has continued to evolve.
Today, CBCT imaging, digital impressions, implant-planning software, CAD/CAM, and 3D manufacturing can work together within a single treatment-planning process. What began with the ability to turn CT data into a physical anatomical model has evolved into a way to connect diagnosis, restorative planning, implant position, surgical planning, and clinical care.
References
Tahmaseb A, Wu V, Wismeijer D, Coucke W, Evans C. The accuracy of static computer-aided implant surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2018;29(Suppl 16):416-435.
Wismeijer D, et al. Group 5 ITI Consensus Report: Digital technologies. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2018.
Comparing the clinical outcomes of guided and freehand dental implant surgery: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. J Prosthet Dent. 2026;135(5):e53-e59.
TECHNOLOGY WITH A PURPOSE
The value of 3D technology is not simply that we can create a model or surgical guide. Its value is in helping us understand anatomy, plan treatment, and translate that plan carefully to patient care.
Curious About The Advanced Technology We Utilize?
Call our office to learn more about how we use different technologies to bring you the best dental experience possible.