What is the purpose of a surgical template made from a dental stone model?

A surgical template created from a dental stone model serves the essential purpose of helping to establish the proper implant platform position. This is crucial in implant dentistry, as the accuracy of the implant's placement significantly affects the overall success of the procedure.

By using a surgical template, the clinician can ensure that the implant is positioned in the ideal location with the correct orientation relative to the surrounding structures, which directly impacts the esthetic outcome and functional success of the implant. The template acts as a guide, allowing for precise drilling and placement of the implant, which minimizes the risk of deviation from the predetermined treatment plan.

While evaluating bone volume and ensuring proper angulation are important aspects of implant planning, the primary function of the surgical template in this context focuses on establishing the exact position of the implant platform. Additionally, while intraoperative radiographs might be valuable in some surgical procedures, the creation and use of a surgical template are often designed to reduce reliance on them, rather than eliminate the need entirely.