Dr. Choi, EverSmile Dentistry in Sterling, VA
One of our recent cases at EverSmile Dentistry involved the relatively new science of guided implant surgery. Since this is a new technology that we find fascinating, we thought you might find it so too.
Guided Implant Surgery Technology
Our first step is to capture images of a patient’s maxillofacial region through the use of our CBCT x-ray machine, used when normal dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. It provides a complete 3D scan of a patient’s jawbone. (Read more about our CBCT x-ray on our CBCT blog post.)
The CBCT scans produce DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files which are entered into the implant planning software that reproduces them in both 2D and 3D images.
The pre-operative CBCT view aids in planning the surgical placement of the implant, and also is used to fabricate a surgical template guide to be used during surgery. This surgical guide is created in the dental laboratory and fits to the patient’s teeth to confirm correct placement by way of seating cutouts through which the implant post will be inserted.
During surgery, the guide is set in place, and using a precise drill kit and depth measurement, the surgeon creates the hole to match the exact dimensions of the implant fixture. The implant fixture is then inserted using the guided surgery mount and rotated to its fixed position.
After several months of healing, the patient returns. The healing fixtures are removed and a titanium screw is inserted and tightened into place. This will properly seat any abutment fixtures, such as the implant crown.
What is Guided Implant Surgery?
Guided Implant Surgery It is a relatively new technology originally developed for neuro-surgery that enables dental surgeons to go through the process of implants virtually, walking them through the process successfully before surgery is actually performed to ensure accurate, safe, predictable, and efficient placement of the actual implant. It aids dentists in diagnosing, creating a treatment plan and placing tooth implants in patients who need restorative treatments or dental surgery.
The software allows dentists to visually situate the implant for the best aesthetics, with the capability of superimposing the crown and abutments, nerves and sinuses, and anatomy to forecast what will actually be required. With the ability to virtually manipulate scans of a patient’s jaw, hard and soft tissues and overlay treatment options, combined with the ability to determine height, width, and thicknesses of bone and tissue, the dentist can create a correctly-sized implant and accurately position it within the jaw.
Benefits of Guided Implant Surgery
The benefit of guided implant surgery is to provide dental surgeons with predictability; they can accurately create a treatment plan and reproduce it for optimal results.
The ultimate benefit is that it reduces the time needed for surgery. Removing the guesswork allows the surgeon to focus on the surgery itself and avoid any damages to vital structures such as nerves and blood vessels. Guided implant surgery is ideal for both single and multiple-implant surgery and restorations.
EverSmile Dentistry Dental Implants
EverSmile Dentistry strives to keep up with the latest in dental technology. This enables us to bring the best treatment options to our patients. If you are in need of a dental implant, or just want to discuss the possibilities, please contact us. Our dental practice is conveniently located in Sterling, VA and serves patients throughout Northern Virginia.
