Implant dentistry has become restorative driven, meaning the final restorative goal directs the surgical process, helping patients receive a predictable treatment outcome while meeting all surgical parameters. In addition, computer guided surgery provides dentists with several advantages, helping them achieve predictable and safe implant placements.
The guided technique uses the images from the patient’s computerized imaging, a cone beam CT (CBCT) scan to precisely plan implant treatment by merging guided surgery software allowing you to visualize and manipulate images of the implants and the patient’s jawbone, the surrounding tissue, giving you the opportunity to plan the most accurate approach to treatment. Cone beam CT images clearly show the available bone, the dimensions and density of bone, the thickness of soft tissues, vital structures such as nerve pathways and sinuses, and the root anatomy and proximity of adjacent teeth.
Once the best positioning has been determined a 3D printer then fabricates a custom surgical guide that fits precisely on the patients’ teeth directing the exact angulations and heights for the drilling process.
What are the Main Benefits of Using Computer-Guided Implant Surgery?
The main benefits of using computer-guided surgery are precise and accurate implant placement which translates into greater safety for the patients. Detailed treatment planning beforehand helps to reduce or eliminate unexpected events during surgery. The ability to visualize vital anatomical structures allows you to better preserve them during guided surgery. Clinically, this technique can reduce pain and discomfort post-operatively. An additional bonus often is the time required for the implant surgery can be substantially reduced, which is also of great benefit to the patient.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Basically, no. You could say, however, one of the main disadvantages of guided implant surgery is the additional cost of investing in specialized surgical equipment and planning software, as well as the time needed for training. This can be overcome by using a 3rd party laboratory to assist with the designs. While computer-guided implant surgery may be more comfortable and quicker for the patient, it’s not unusual for clinicians to spend more time planning the surgery compared to traditional implant treatments.
When is Using Computer-Guided Implant Surgery Recommended?
Computer-guided implant surgery can be invaluable, if not essential, in most situations. This is especially helpful when patients require multiple implants to be placed or when implant placement is critical to the success of the proposed restoration of the teeth. Patients who have problems with the anatomical structure, the volume of their bone, or require significant alteration of bony anatomy, may also benefit from computer guided implant surgery. Computer-guided surgery can help to reduce problems concerning the proximity of existing implants, adjacent teeth, and the vital organs. People who are fully edentulous or patients who require immediate extraction followed by immediate implant placement could be suitable for this type of treatment. Despite the advantages, guided implant surgery isn’t always necessary for all situations and dentists placing the implants freehand can be just as successful.
Using Computer Guided Implant Surgery to Achieve a More Desirable Outcome
The technology of guided implant surgery used to plan treatment also allows clinicians to plan the exact morphology and position of planned restorations before placing and positioning implants, helping to create the ideal treatment plan and restorative result. By reverse-engineering implant surgery, it’s possible to achieve more accurate implant placement. You can ensure vital anatomical structures being avoided by using computerized software to fully visualize the anatomy surrounding the implant locations while still ensuring the implant is placed in the ideal position.
Digitally planning implant surgery allows the entire dental team to visualize and approve the treatment plan, including the final prosthesis. This type of digital workflow results in a better treatment outcome, particularly when an immediate prosthesis is required. Using the precise model of the patient’s jaw and the surgical guide, it’s often possible for an accurate prosthesis to be manufactured prior to implant surgery. While computer-guided surgery can be more accurate, just like all technologies it isn’t perfect. Small deviations from the planned locations are normal, but even when taken into account, can still result in more accurate implant placement compared with using freehand techniques to place implants.
In many cases, computer-guided surgery can be a valuable opportunity for the patient to become more involved in their treatment plan. People often find it fascinating to visualize their virtual treatment plans in advance, making it easier for you to explain possible treatment options and potential risks, all while showing them the predicted outcome. This increased level of patient education can provide greater acceptance of a proposed treatment plan and a better mutually successful result for both patients and dentists.