| abstract |
A prefabricated dental implant surgical guide. The implant surgical guide comprises a tooth-shaped contour which simulates a natural tooth shape and the final prosthesis. An impression of an edentulous area and existing teeth of a patient is taken. A stone model of the impression is then made. A tooth-shaped contour(s) is selected from a tooth-shape and size selector kit comprising tooth-shaped contours, the tooth-shaped contours having central bores and corresponding to the edentulous area are secured to the stone model. A matrix of the stone model is formed with the tooth-shaped contours in place. The matrix is then removed from the stone model while retaining the selected tooth-shaped contour(s). Surgical drill holes are created in the matrix aligned with the central bores of the selected tooth-shaped contours to create the implant surgical guide. The matrix, now functioning as a surgical guide is then placed into the mouth of the patient. An osteotomy site is initiated by placing a surgical drill bur through the surgical drill holes of the matrix and through the central bores of the selected tooth-shaped contours, while the selected tooth-shaped contours are stabilized in their proper position by the matrix. The tooth-shaped contours can also be made of a radio opaque material, which when contained in the matrix and worn by the implant patient allow it to function as a dental scan appliance. |