At Heidelberg's University Hospital for Oral, Maxillary and Facial Surgery the two scientists have developed a 3D system enabling dentists to work out on screen the optimal positioning of implants for individual patients and to implement this knowledge with a high degree of precision during the actual operation. This facilitates assessment of the outcome of the implantation and reduces risks for the patient. Dental implants are used either as artificial roots for a crown or as the foundation for stay-put dentures. Such a projection does not however provide the necessary three-dimensional information essential in difficult clinical cases, e.g. badly atrophied jawbones. Implantology in the lateral areas of the lower jaw also requires exact information on the position of the nerves in that area.
Nerve damage resulting from implants can lead to permanent numbness in the lower lip and chin.
Penetration of the paranasal sinuses in the upper jaw can cause dangerous infection. Nerves are very small in diameter, contrast hardly at all with their environment and wind their way three-dimensionally through the space of the jaw. This makes it very difficult for radiologists and dentists to determine the course of nerve canals manually. In the new system they are mapped automatically by computer. In the three-dimensional image provided by the new software the dentist can then position the virtual implants.