Merging Mandibular Virtual Datasets in Partially Edentulous Patients with a High Level of Scattering on CBCT Scans: A Technical Report.

Digital implant planning-utilizing the convergence of digital surface scanners, CBCT scans, and advanced planning software-has transformed dental implantology. The merging of these datasets through triangulation of landmarks provides a detailed digital model of the dental arches, facilitating precise implant positioning in edentulous areas. A critical step in this digital workflow is the accurate merging of DICOM files with .STL/.PLY/.OBJ files, which underpins the design and fabrication of surgical templates for accurate implant placement. Errors in this phase can lead to implant mispositioning or damage to adjacent structures. Particularly in partial edentulism, the merging is based on the occlusal topography of the remaining teeth, but scattering in the CBCT data-caused by interactions of radiation with radiodense materials-can complicate this process or even render it impossible. The present article presents a technique utilizing radiopaque markers to overcome scattering effects, ensuring accurate dataset superimposition in the mandible.