Comparative accuracy of cone‐beam CT and conventional multislice computed tomography for real‐time navigation in zygomatic implant surgery

Abstract Background Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and conventional multislice CT (MSCT) are both used in zygomatic implant navigation surgery but the superiority of one technique versus the other remains unclear. Purpose This study compared the accuracy of CBCT and MSCT in zygomatic implant navigation surgery by calculating the deviations of implants. Material and methods Patients with severely atrophic maxillae were classified into two groups according to the use of CBCT‐ or MSCT‐guided navigation system. The entry and apical distance deviation, and the angle deviation of zygomatic implants were measured on fused operation images. A linear effect model was used for analysis, with statistical significance set at P < .05. Results A total of 72 zygomatic implants were inserted as planned in 23 patients. The comparison of deviations in CBCT and MSCT groups showed a mean (± SD) entry deviation of 1.69 ± 0.59 mm vs 2.04 ± 0.78 mm ( P = .146), apical deviation of 2 ± 0.68 mm vs 2.55 ± 0.85 ( P < .001), and angle deviation of 2.32 ± 1.02° vs 3.23 ± 1.21° ( P = .038). Conclusion Real‐time zygomatic implant navigation surgery with CBCT may result in higher values for accuracy than MSCT.