Radiographic/surgical template incorporating metal telescopic tubes for accurate implant placement.

: The dental literature is replete with information on various implant surgical template designs and imaging techniques for presurgical assessment of dental implant sites. Seldom are these two aspects combined in a practical and effective manner to fabricate a guide for precise implant placement. Unless detailed, three-dimensional images of the underlying bone are obtained, the use of a template is ineffective. This article describes a radiographic/surgical template that utilizes a series of telescoping metal tubes as radiographic markers and as implant drill guides.