Guided surgery

Guided surgery is a technique that uses digital planning and 3D imaging to assist in the precise placement of dental implants. This method allows for accurate planning of the surgery, improving the outcomes and reducing risks associated with traditional implant procedures.

Key Aspects of Guided Surgery in Dentistry:

  1. Digital Imaging and Planning:
    • The process begins with a detailed 3D scan of the patient’s jaws using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or similar imaging technology. Then intraoral scanning is performed using Intraoral Scanner. These scans provide a highly accurate model of the jawbone, teeth, and surrounding structures.
    • Using specialized software, the dentist or oral surgeon can plan the exact location, depth, and angle for each dental implant. This digital plan considers factors such as bone density, proximity to nerves, and the final restoration’s position.
  1. Surgical Guide Creation:
    • Based on the digital plan, a physical surgical guide is created. This guide is a custom-made template that fits over the patient’s teeth or gums, containing holes that direct the surgeon’s drill to the pre-planned implant sites. The guide ensures that the implants are placed at the correct angle and depth.
  1. Implant Placement:
    • During the surgery, the surgical guide is positioned in the patient’s mouth, and the dentist uses it to guide the drilling and implant placement process. This minimizes the margin for error and ensures that the implants are placed exactly where they were planned.
  1. Benefits of Guided Surgery:
    • Precision: The technology allows for extremely accurate placement of implants, which is crucial for long-term success.
    • Reduced Surgery Time: Because the procedure is planned in advance, the actual surgery tends to be quicker.
    • Minimized Risk: By planning around vital structures like nerves and sinuses, the risk of complications is reduced.
    • Improved Esthetics: The precise placement often leads to better functional and aesthetic results as the final restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.) can be better aligned with the patient’s natural teeth and surrounding structures
    • Higher Success Rates: The precision afforded by guided surgery can lead to better outcomes and higher success rates for dental implants
    • Decreased Post-operative Discomfort: Less invasive procedures typically result in reduced pain and discomfort for patients after surgery.
    • Predictability: The planning process allows for a more predictable outcome, as the strategy can account for individual anatomical variations.
    • Reduced Need for Bone Grafts: Enhanced imaging and planning may help identify and utilize available bone more effectively, possibly reducing the necessity for additional procedures like bone grafts.
    • Patient Satisfaction: The combination of improved aesthetics, lower discomfort, and better outcomes can lead to higher patient satisfaction and confidence in the treatment process.