Computer-guided implant surgery: the most effective technique for placing dental implants
In recent years, and thanks to the advance of new technologies, the field of dental implantology has undergone major changes.
In this way, more effective, less invasive techniques have been developed that improve the patient’s postoperative period.
This is the case of computer-guided surgery.
However, before we begin to explain what this technique consists of, it is useful to remember what function a dental implant has and what its main characteristics are.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium screws -a material that is biocompatible with our body- that are integrated into the bone and replace the root of the tooth.
Metal-ceramic or zirconium crowns are cemented or screwed onto these implants, which act as teeth.
Implants offer a series of advantages, both functional and esthetic, to people who have them.
Functional
They slow the bone loss that begins to occur when a tooth is missing and fully restore chewing function.
In addition, the new teeth help to evenly distribute the loads exerted by the teeth.
In this way, the problems of overloading the jaw joint are alleviated and decay of the remaining teeth is prevented.
Oral implant surgery
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GUIDED SURGERY
Aesthetics
They allow the patient to improve his image and regain confidence in his smile.
They also increase their confidence when speaking and chewing in public.
Finally, another of the great benefits of implants is that they make it possible to rehabilitate one or more teeth independently.
That is, without the need to grind and compromise the structure of neighboring teeth, as in the case of dental bridges.
Computer-guided surgery is minimally invasive and very predictable since it uses software that allows the intervention to be virtually simulated.
What is guided surgery?
Computer-guided surgery is a technique that allows the surgeon to place the implants in the exact location previously planned with the help of a computer and 3D technology.
This procedure, which we will detail step by step below, has a number of advantages over traditional surgery.
What are the advantages of guided surgery?
Compared to traditional implant placement, computer-guided surgery offers a number of benefits.
It is more precise
With this type of surgery, the intervention is planned and simulated virtually in advance, so the results are much more predictable.
In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, this technique represents “a significant advance in the field of implant surgical guides”.
After placing 67 implants in 35 patients through guided surgery, it was concluded that the practitioner’s visual control increases considerably.
Less incision required
By allowing better precision and predictability, it avoids having to uncover the bone in order to place the implant.
Computer-guided surgery
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COMPUTER-GUIDED SURGERY
Improves the postoperative period
Since the wound in the patient’s gum is smaller, in most cases it also avoids the need for stitches.
This reduces inflammation, the risk of infection and, of course, pain.
Reduces time
Guided surgery reduces surgery time by up to 70%.
This is because, with the help of the computer, the implantologist does not have to pay so much attention to the position of the implant or to the anatomical structures it meets, such as the maxillary sinus or the inferior dental nerve.
In addition, this technique is often combined with immediate loading.
Through this process, the patient can recover all his teeth in a single day, performing the surgery and placing the provisional crown in a matter of hours.
Use it if you can
If the implantologist considers that it is suitable for you, we recommend that you resort to it: it is less invasive, avoids stitches, improves the postoperative period, reduces pain and reduces inflammation.
Guided surgery: step by step
Below we will detail the steps we carry out in our dental clinic to perform computer-guided surgery:
Assessment by the specialist
The first step before carrying out any intervention is the assessment by the implantologist.
The specialist will perform an oral examination of the patient and with the help of different tests will determine if the guided surgery technique is adequate.
3D study of the mouth
With the help of a 3D intraoral scanner we obtain a three-dimensional image of the patient’s jaw.
Once the scanner data is available, it is transferred to the computer and with the help of CAD/CAM software, the implantologist carries out the study of the jawbone.
In this way, he can assess the most appropriate place to place the implant and optimize the amount of bone tissue available.
In this way, he tries to avoid having to resort to grafts or techniques that have a higher degree of complexity.
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Surgical splint
Next, and with the help of the aforementioned software, a surgical splint is made.
It serves as a guide to insert the implants in the location and position previously determined in the planning.
Surgical splint
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SURGICAL SPLINT
Intervention
This surgical splint, which is used by the implantologist on the day of the operation, avoids having to open the gum as is done in traditional surgery.
In addition, it allows the surgeon to drill only to the necessary depth, thus avoiding the risk of affecting any important anatomical structure.
As we have seen, this surgical technique has significant advantages over traditional implant placement surgery.
In any case, if after reading this article you have any doubts, we encourage you to contact us to answer any questions you may have.
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Bibliographic references
At DrAW Clinic we are guided by editorial guidelines that ensure the veracity of all the information we publish. If you would like to learn more about how we ensure that our content is up-to-date and properly supported, we encourage you to read our editorial commitment.
MA. Fauroux, S. Boutray, Y. Malthiéry , JH. Torres (2018). New innovative method linking guided surgery to dental implant placement. Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. June 2018; 119 (3): 249-253.
