, we employ the latest technology related to dental implant surgery. We are able to get cross-sectional images immediately with our on-site Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) scanner which delivers high clarity with significantly less radiation than conventional scanners. These pictures can provide renderings of both soft and hard tissues in the body which then can be examined in detail using computer software.
This means that we can examine, diagnose and plan treatment with a level of precision not possible in the past. With this dental imaging, we can view:
• Shape, thickness, and height of the jawbone structure that would determine if bone grafting for dental implants is necessary
Virtual Guided Dental Implant Surgery
Using all of the data provided by the software, the surgeon performs a virtual surgery on a computer model of the patient’s teeth and jaw. The exact size of the dental implants and their position are determined during the virtual surgery on the digital model. Any procedures required to prepare the site for implants can be performed “virtually” on the computer using the dental cone beam tomography. This software is accurate within a tenth of a millimeter and shows the implant in its ideal position. Precise implant placement is critical in order to provide the patient the most esthetic and functional form of tooth replacement. The abutment can also be digitally superimposed to predict the space needed for the forthcoming crown implant suprastructure. This also means fewer complications, less invasive therapy, and quicker healing times for the patient.
In some cases, a surgical guide based on the x-ray imaging result is fabricated by the dental lab prior to treatment. This customized guide “surgical guide” allows the surgeon to sometimes perform the procedure without any incisions at all with less invasive treatment and comfort for the patient and quicker healing times.
The Academy of Osseointegration now considers dental cone beam technology “the standard of care” for implant procedures. In fact, The American Board of Periodontology and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons advises the use of exact imaging and surgical guides for dental implant placement.
Our CT scanner at
Dr. Raed M. Abutteen Dental Center is with cutting edge detectors and x-ray technology. We can scan precisely where we need to, with the added benefit of low-dose capability for safer scanning for our patients. It provides advanced 3D treatment tools for implants and restorations, oral and maxillofacial surgery, TMJ and sinuses with high definition 3D diagnostic images for ultimate treatment efficiency.
Once a CT Scan is captured, a 3-dimensional view is created and implant placement is virtually planned with very high accuracy. All can be done within minutes of the scan. The data from our case planning is then replicated with great precision in the patient on the day of implant placement.
What to Expect During Guided Dental Implant Surgery
Once we have completely mapped out the guided dental implant surgery on a virtual basis, the dental implant treatment plan can ensue. Because all the assessments have been made prior to surgery, the implant procedure can be performed in a relatively short time period.
Depending on the number of implants the patient is receiving, single shot local anesthesia or at multiple sites will be used to make you comfortable during the in-office surgery. The surgical guide fabricated from the information digitally gathered fits precisely into the patient’s mouth, allowing the doctor to place the implants in the optimal position. The surgical guide also limits the depth of the drill and implant, making the procedure precise and safe.
Because the exact placement location is predetermined, usually no incision needs to be made in the gum tissue, making the process more comfortable and less invasive. Post-operative swelling and pain are minimized, and recovery time is shortened. In most cases, guided implant surgery can be completed in less than an hour, even with multiple implants involved.
In some cases, once the implants are placed, the abutments, as well as the crowns, can be integrated into the mouth immediately thanks to the digital pre-planning. Because so many aspects of the guided dental implant surgery can be done in advance, the entire process can now be completed in hours rather than months.
Benefits of Guided Dental Implant Surgery
Guided dental implant surgery is simplifying the dental implant treatment process, while employing the latest technology available, to make it faster, safer, and more comfortable. The benefits include;
• Extremely precise due to 3D imaging and specialized software
• Reduced surgery time
• Minimized trauma to the hard and soft oral tissues
• Less invasive (no incisions or sutures required)
• Can eliminate the need for bone grafting or other periodontal procedures
• Minimal risk
• Less discomfort and faster recovery time
• Efficient (implants, abutments, and crowns can be placed during one procedure)
• High success rate
It should be noted however, that guided dental implant surgery can not be utilized on all dental implant patients. It is recommended often in cases involving:
• Full mouth implant restoration
• Significant jawbone loss
• Extraction & immediate implantation
• Cases with high aesthetic challenges
Guided dental implant surgery is revolutionizing the dental implant process. Patients who were formerly not considered to be good candidates for dental implants or who could not spend months undergoing treatment are having their lives transformed with new, beautiful, functioning teeth.
If you are interested in finding out if guided dental implant surgery is right for you, or if you would like more information on the process, please do not hesitate to visit
Dr. Raed M. Abutteen Dental Center and get the care you have been looking for.
