Why Guided Surgery?
Guided surgery has been around for about 25 years, evolving constantly. Early forms included some free-hand surgery, which required an oral surgeon. Whereas, today we have CAD/CAM fully-guided surgical guides. This is a revolutionary change in implant surgery. Because of this change, the surgical guide now stays on throughout the entire drilling protocol. As a result, you can complete the entire process in your office.
Benefits for patients
- Less chair time
- Less invasive
- Faster healing
- Less trauma
- Aesthetic outcome
Benefits for doctors
- No guesswork Dental Implants
- Virtual planning
- Safe, predictable, efficient
- Precise outcome
Guided Surgery 101
There are several different issues that cause complications with implants. Some of these issues are improper diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical method, and placement. But luckily, a fully-guided surgical guide can easily overcome these issues. The surgical guide helps by aiding in implant positioning.
Because of guided surgery, the lab and the doctor are able to work together to plan the implant placement virtually. Previously, wax-ups, stents, and teeth were done on the bench. Due to advancements in technology, now the lab can do these virtually, which saves time for the doctor.
Fully guided surgery systems have to control all four levels of guide:
- Angulation for optimal restorative outcomes
- Hex orientation for immediate provisionalization
- Depth for security when working near vital anatomy
- Position for soft tissue maintenance
At Edmonds we value the success of our doctors. We have learned that doctors who use fully-guided surgical guides find it greatly beneficial. Due to its design, this instrument helps doctors accurately place implants within the patient’s mouth, with minimal trauma to the patient.
What Do You Need?
You need two files before you can submit a guided surgery case to be planned:
- 3D Image captured by a CBCT scanner
- IOS scan or traditional impression
The lab will merge the two files in our 3Shape’s Implant Studio design software (see picture to the right), initiating the treatment process. At this point, you can begin the planning process with the lab.
After creating all the parts, the doctor can schedule the patient for an appointment. At that point, the doctor can use the surgical guide to place the implant aesthetically.
Safe and Successful
Guided surgery creates a safe, predictable, and efficient surgery. Certainly, both the doctor and patient can appreciate this. The surgical guide is designed to securely rest on the teeth, gingiva, or bone. Once it is in place, the guide eliminates guesswork by guaranteeing the precision of the pre-planned outcome.
Without the fully guided surgical guide, the patient’s mouth could potentially be damaged. This is due to unnecessary trauma from inaccurate incisions. For that reason, fully guided surgery truly is the best option for a successful implant placement that leaves you and your patients happy.
Why Edmonds?
We use only FDA-approved materials, all made in the USA. Furthermore, we also have everything you need at one low price. If you are interested in hearing more, give us a call.
References:
August de Oliveira, DDS and Ryan C. Maher, DMD, FICOI. “Guided implant surgery: making sure dental implants are safe, predictable, and efficient.” Dental Economics (2013). Web.
“Implant surgical guides: From the past to the present.” J Pharm Bioallied Sct (2013). Web