Guided Surgery

Guided Surgery

Guided dental implant surgery utilizes advanced Cone Beam 3D imaging to place implants at exact specifications. These plans can be implemented in real-time and setup accordingly to exact measurements.

Benefits for dental implant patients

  • Precise implant placement
  • Less risk for complications
  • Faster and less invasive implant surgery
  • High quality restorations with exact specifications

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CT) is a special type of x-ray used in situations where traditional dental x-rays just aren’t enough. It isn’t used regularly because the radiation exposure from CT scanners is greater than that of regular dental x-rays. The CT scanner uses advanced technology that generate three dimensional (3-D) images of the mouth in a single scan. The scan captures dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths, and bone in the face. Images captured with our cone beam CT allow for more accurate treatment planning.

CT scanners are effective for:

  • Precise surgical placement for dental implants
  • Surgical planning of impacted teeth (wisdom teeth)
  • Diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
  • Evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals, and nasal cavity
  • Locating the origin of pain or pathology
  • Cephalometric analysis
  • Reconstructive surgery
What to expect with CT Scanning
The use of the CT scanner is a painless process, and will allow you to return to normal activities as if nothing ever happened. You will first be asked to remain very still while the x-ray source and detector revolve around you in a 360-degree rotation or less. This takes about 20-40 seconds for a complete scan.
Benefits of CT Scanning
  • The focused x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation, resulting in better image quality.
  • A single scan produces a wide variety of views and angles that can be manipulated to provide a more complete evaluation.
  • Cone beam CT scans provide more information than conventional dental x-ray, allowing for more precise treatment planning.
  • CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
  • A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone and soft tissue at the same time..
  • No radiation remains in a patient’s body after a CT examination..
  • X-rays used in CT scans should have no immediate side effects
Risks of CT Scanners
There’s always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation, but the benefits of a precise diagnoses outweighs the risk in most cases.
CT scanning, in general, is not recommended for pregnant women unless it is absolutely necessary because of the possible risks this creates to the the baby in the womb.
Since children are more sensitive to radiation, CT scans should be limited to patients where a CT scan is essential for proper diagnosis. For these situations, CT scans for children should always be done with low-dose techniques.
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FAQs

What is guided dental implant surgery?

Guided dental implant surgery is a procedure that uses advanced 3D imaging technology to plan and execute the placement of dental implants. By using a digital map of the mouth, the process allows for precise positioning based on the patient's unique anatomy.

What is a Cone Beam CT scan?

A Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a specialized type of X-ray that creates three-dimensional images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve paths, and bone. This provides a more comprehensive view than traditional two-dimensional dental X-rays.

Is the CT scanning process painful?

No, the scanning process is noninvasive and painless. During the scan, an X-ray source rotates around the head to capture various angles, and patients are simply required to remain still for a short period, typically under one minute.

How does guided surgery differ from traditional implant surgery?

While traditional surgery relies on a clinical over-the-shoulder view during the procedure, guided surgery uses a pre-fabricated template or digital guide. This guide is created from 3D scans to assist in the accuracy of the implant's depth and angle.

Who typically performs the planning for guided surgery?

The planning is typically performed by dental professionals using specialized software. They evaluate the 3D images to determine the most appropriate location for the implant relative to the jawbone and surrounding teeth before the actual procedure begins.