A modified method for fabricating a radiographic stent with transparent occlusal registration material for implant placement.

Figure 1. Apply transparent occlusal registration material. For successful implant placement, the evaluation of anatomic structures is important in deciding the diameter, length, position, and angulation of the implant. Various diagnostic methods such as radiographic stent and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used to determine the appropriate position. A radiographic stent can stably position a radiopaque marker without inducing scatter. In addition, it can be comfortably retained in the mouth. Several methods have been introduced for the fabrication of a radiographic stent, including duplicating the existing restoration with clear resin and using silicone putty or a vacuum-formed matrix on the diagnostic cast. However, these methods require an additional impression or laboratory procedures. This article describes a straightforward method of fabricating a radiographic stent with a transparent occlusal registration material at the chairside. It does not require an impression or laboratory procedures. Because a transparent material is used, the location of the radiopaque marker can be confirmed visually. In addition, the position and the angle of the implant can be planned by considering the occlusal relation because the occlusal surface is recorded simultaneously. Because this method is not based on transferring information from a diagnostic waxing, it cannot be appropriate for an edentulous space or a more extensive posterior edentulous area. However, it is effective for evaluating the quantity and the shape of alveolar bone