By Payton Hannah
Powered by RealGUIDE technology, Edmonds offers two surgical guide solutions: Fully Guided and Pilot Hole. Both options are designed to improve implant accuracy, simplify workflows, and support a wide range of cases, but they differ in the level of control and flexibility they provide during the procedure.
Fully Guided surgical guides provide complete control over the entire drilling sequence and implant placement. These guides are designed to direct each drill size and movement, ensuring the implant is placed at the exact position and angle determined during digital planning. Fully Guided surgical guides are an excellent choice for cases where precise placement is critical, such as in complex anatomical situations, immediate loading cases, or when achieving optimal aesthetics is especially important. By eliminating guesswork and allowing the entire procedure to follow a pre-planned path, these guides help reduce surgical time, improve predictability, and support better patient outcomes.
Pilot Hole surgical guides, on the other hand, are designed to guide only the initial pilot drill. After the pilot hole is created, the surgeon completes the rest of the procedure manually. This type of guide is ideal for simpler cases or for clinicians who want some assistance with initial positioning while retaining more flexibility and control throughout the remainder of the surgery. It offers a balance between digital guidance and hands-on adaptability, making it a practical solution for straightforward implant placements or when the clinician prefers to make real-time decisions during the procedure.
Despite their differences, both guide types offer the same core benefits. Each guide is digitally planned to help position implants in optimal bone locations, while avoiding vital structures for safe and accurate outcomes. They are available for a wide range of clinical applications, from single implants to complex full-arch reconstructions, and can be designed as tooth-supported, tissue-supported, or stackable guides for procedures such as “teeth in a day.” With a fully digital workflow, clinicians can submit scans, receive a tailored surgical plan, and place implants with greater confidence and efficiency.
One important point to note is that both Fully Guided and Pilot Hole surgical guides have an in-lab working time of five business days. This ensures a timely turnaround without compromising quality, helping you stay on schedule and maintain a smooth clinical workflow.Whether you need the precision of a Fully Guided system or the flexibility of a Pilot Hole guide, Edmonds provides high-quality, reliable solutions to support your implant cases from start to finish. If you have questions or are ready to begin a case, our team is here to help.