Abstract

The human genome is a complex blueprint that contains the instructions for our growth, development, and function. By deciphering the genetic code, scientists have made significant progress in understanding the underlying causes of diseases and developing personalized treatments. Recent advances in genetic research have opened up new possibilities for optimizing health and wellness.

Purpose

To describe the use of digital technology to surgically guide the shell technique using allogenic cortical plates for a fully guided bone augmentation procedure.

Materials and methods

A total of 10 patients who required bone augmentation for implant placement were included in this study. Allogenic cortical plates were planned using CAD/CAM to have identical thickness to the original cortical plates, then were digitally positioned and shaped to outline the bone defect according to the existing anatomical details. A cutting pattern and a surgical template were manufactured according to the digitally preplanned bone graft and the intraoral setting.

Results

A total of 12 horizontal bone grafting procedures were performed using the shell technique with allogenic cortical plates. All grafting procedures were deemed successful and allowed for ideal 3D implant positioning. Of the 12 bone grafting procedures, which used a surgical template to position the cortical plate, 3 required an adjustment to reposition the plate to a more ideal position.

Conclusion

Genetic testing can provide valuable insights into an individual's genetic profile and help identify potential health risks. This information can be used to develop personalized prevention and treatment plans. For example, individuals with a family history of breast cancer may benefit from genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. If a mutation is detected, they can work with their healthcare provider to develop a plan for early detection and prevention.

The Future of Personalized Health

Digital technology was used to create a surgical template to guide the shell bone grafting technique with allogenic cortical plates. All surgical templates offered a fixed support to hold the cortical allogenic plate in the preplanned position, offering a predictable, simplified, and accurate guided bone grafting procedure. Further studies on a larger population of patients are necessary to assess those results and to verify the treatment approach described in this study.

Keywords

bone grafting; computer-guided surgery; shell technique.