Digital planning of dental implantation using axiography in a patient with a non-fixed bite

Abstract

The absence of a reproducible central occlusion previously posed a challenge for performing digital axiography due to the inability to align different types of data within a single coordinate system. In this article, we present a developed digital algorithm for planning dental implantation in a patient with partial tooth loss and a non-fixed bite. Special attention in this methodology was given to determining the centric relation of the jaws in a digital format, as well as the position of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) heads relative to the slopes of the articular eminences. During the digital planning process, axiography was performed on a patient with a non-fixed bite using radiopaque markers. The new mandibular position obtained from the axiographic analysis served as the basis for modeling the future temporary prosthesis, which guided the planning of implant placement. Surgical guides and scanning templates were fabricated, enabling the transfer of the virtual model of the postoperative jaw relative to its original position. This allowed for the alignment of the postoperative scan of the upper jaw with the model of the lower jaw. Based on the available data, a temporary prosthesis on straight abutments was fabricated and fixed in the oral cavity on the 3rd day after implant placement.