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by Dr David Norcross, Perth Dental Implant Centre, WA
The iCam4D uses photogrammetry to capture implant positions very accurately. This is a massive benefit when doing All-on-4 procedures. Previously, we would complete the surgery and then do splinted impressions, which was time consuming and had some elements of inaccuracy.
What’s good about it
The iCam4D allows us to capture the implant positions accurately and quickly, mid-surgery before we close. This then allows us to use a digital workflow to produce a digital design and mill it in-house to create an immediate provisional restoration.
Once the patient has healed, we can recapture those implant positions, to make sure everything is completely accurate. The definitive restoration can be precisely positioned which is even more important now that we have shifted to monolithic zirconia for our restorations. It’s an extremely strong material but must have a passive fit to avoid any complications.
There is software that comes with the system that clearly shows how to use it. There is also a direct phone line in Australia that provides immediate support if needed. When the iCam first came out, you had to phone Europe for help which caused some headaches. It’s also important to have it attached to a powerful laptop.
While we mainly use the iCam for All-on-4, we have also started using it for segmented bridgework. When I’m splinting two or more implants together, accuracy is key. Additionally, I’ve also used it with pterygoid implants at the back of the mouth. There’s a level of inaccuracy with intraoral scanning that photogrammetry removes.
What’s not so good
It’s an expensive unit to purchase so you need to be doing a reasonable volume of work to cover that. It’s also a fairly bulky machine.
