Guided Implant Surgery

Focus: Learn how guided implant surgery can provide precise and successful results for dental implant placement.
Guided implant surgery is an advanced technique used in dental implant procedures.It involves the use of 3D imaging and customized surgical guides to precisely place dental implants into the jawbone. This technology offers many benefits, making it a popular choice for patients and dentists alike.
What is Guided Implant-Surgery?
Guided implant surgery involves the collaboration between periodontists, restorative dentists, and a dental lab.
The procedure begins with a comprehensive assessment using 3D imaging and intraoral scanners to obtain detailed images of the patient’s jawbone.
These images are then used to create a customized surgical guide that will assist in placing the implants at precisely planned locations and angles.Before this technology was available and even now, many implant surgeons use the ‘freehand’ method with high success rates. However, guided implant surgery offers a higher level of accuracy and predictabilityas well as a low risk of complications, making it a preferred choice for doctors and patients alike.
Key Takeaway
Guided implant surgery allows for precise implant position and implant angulation. This minimally invasive approach offers improved aesthetics, predictability in outcomes, and reduced anxiety for patients.
Benefits of Guided Implant Surgery
Guided implant surgery offers many advantages over traditional implant placement techniques.
Precision & Accuracy
The use of 3D imaging and digital impressions allows for the exact mapping of the patient’s oral anatomy.
Surgical guide design uses this data to fabricate guides that assist dental professionals in placing the dental implants with exceptional accuracy.
Precise implant position, angulation, and placement are essential for successful dental implant surgery, as they significantly improve the prosthetic outcome and reduce angular deviations.
Minimally Invasive
Guided implant surgery is generally less invasive than conventional surgery.
The surgical procedure can require smaller incisions, which leads to reduced trauma to the soft tissue, faster healing times, and significantly lower discomfort levels for patients.
This minimally invasive approach is particularly advantageous for edentulous patients (toothless) or those with limited bone volume.
Improved Aesthetics
Precise implant placement improves aesthetic outcomes, as the implants are optimally positioned to support natural-looking prosthetics.
By considering the position of adjacent teeth and the patient’s unique dental structure, the final restoration such as a crown or bridge blends seamlessly with the existing smile.
Predictable Outcomes
Computer-guided implant surgery provides predictability in outcomes, improving the success rates of implant treatments.
The technique allows practitioners to anticipate potential surgical complications and make informed adjustments during the planning stage.
Reduced Anxiety
For many patients, especially those with dental anxiety, the predictability and efficiency of guided implant surgery can ease concerns about undergoing dental procedures.
Understanding the comprehensive nature of the planning and the precision of the surgery instills greater confidence in the process.
The Guided Implant Surgery Process
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation using 3D imaging technology to create a virtual model of the patient’s mouth.
This step allows for accurate planning and visualization before the surgery.
Surgical Guide Fabrication
Based on the digital model, a customized surgical guide is created to assist in precisely placing the implants at predetermined locations and angles. This is incredibly helpful in cases where all of the teeth are missing, and no landmarks exist in the mouth to provide orientation.
Think of the surgical guide as a blueprint for the surgery – it helps guide the implant placement exactly as planned.
Placement of Dental Implants
The surgical guide is a transparent tray that fits snugly over the teeth or gums.
Made from durable, medical-grade materials, this guide has strategically placed holes that indicate the exact positions where the implants should be placed.
These openings are designed to accommodate surgical tools and allow for accurate drilling of the jawbone at predetermined sites.
The implants are then placed into the drilled holes using the guide as a reference for accuracy.
Healing and Restoration
After surgery, the implants are left to heal and fuse with the jawbone.
This process can take three to six months, during which time temporary prosthetics may be worn.
Once fully healed, permanent restorations such as crowns, bridges or implant-retained dentures are attached to the implants, leaving patients with a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups and maintenance are essential for the long-term success of dental implants.
Dental professionals will monitor the implants, prosthetics, and overall oral health to ensure everything is functioning correctly and address any issues promptly.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Mike Norouzinia, DDS, and Dr. Kerri Font, DDS, are highly skilled periodontists who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of dental implant surgery.
Their expertise in periodontology, combined with advanced training in guided implant techniques, uniquely qualifies them to perform such complex procedures with precision and excellence.
They work closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals. With their caring approach, patients can feel confident and at ease throughout the entire guided implant surgery process.
Check out our patient testimonials to see why patients trust us with their periodontal care.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re considering dental implants or want to learn more about guided implant surgery, schedule a consultation with our experienced team.
We’ll walk you through the process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
At Highlands Ranch Periodontics, we are committed to helping patients achieve optimal oral health and a confident smile through advanced periodontal care.
To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO, call (303) 683-1144 or complete the online booking form.
Learn More
Check out our blog to learn more about dental implants.
- Dental Implant Timeline: What to Expect
- What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
- Understanding the Benefits of Dental Implants for Restoring Oral Health
- Healing After Dental Implants: A Guide to a Smooth Recovery
FAQs About Guided Implant Surgery
Implant-guided surgery is a minimally invasive approach to dental implant surgery, where computer-guided technology is used to plan and execute the placement of implants with precision.
Guided implant surgery can benefit anyone who requires dental implants, especially patients with limited bone volume or multiple missing teeth.
The length of the procedure varies depending on the patient’s individual needs and complexity of the case. On average, guided implant surgery can take 1-2 hours per arch.
Guided implant surgery can be more costly compared to traditional implant surgery, and it requires additional training for dental professionals. However, the benefits of increased accuracy and reduced surgical complications make it a worthwhile investment for many patients.
The cost of a surgical guide may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the provider. It is best to discuss pricing with your periodontist during your consultation. Overall, guided implant surgery is often more cost-effective in the long run due to its improved precision and success rates.
