The Pros and Cons of Computer Guided Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is an involved and complex procedure that makes many people opt for removable dentures instead of implants because they’re cheaper and simpler.

However, computer-guided dentistry can prove to be a game changer later on for many people. It allows them to get their missing teeth replaced by making artificial ones look just like real teeth.

We’ll now talk about what this new technology entails, and we’ll also look at the advantages and disadvantages of computer guided dental implants.

What is Computer Guided Implant Surgery?

Gone are the days where patients had to wait weeks for their jaws to be rebuilt after undergoing jawbone reconstruction surgeries due to lack of sufficient bone density.

Computer-guided surgery uses cone beam CT scans to precisely plan out an implant placement, which makes for a more accurate result than traditional methods.

• Visualization and guidance: An important part of computer guided implant surgery involves visualization. The implant surgeon doesn’t go into the mouth blindly; he can manipulate images of the jawbone and surrounding tissues to create an accurate picture of where the implants will be placed.
• Computer planning: The computer helps surgeons plan the most accurate approach for placing implants, so they don’t need to perform bone grafting procedures.
• There’s less guess work and estimating involved when using computerized surgical planning software. This allows doctors to see surrounding tissue, teeth, and the terrain of the jaw.
• Less cuts and more healing: Surgeons won’t have to cut any deeper into your gums than necessary because they don’t have to look for the empty tooth socket before drilling down. They know exactly where it is from the X-ray and the software. Placements are just as accurate as putting gears onto a watch.
• Accuracy is the whole point. Any circumstances where increased accuracy is needed for an implantation or implant surgery due to its complexity could justify the cost of computer-guided implantation. The technology used for planning such a procedure allows surgeons to map out the position and morphology.

Pros and Cons of Computer Guided Dental Implant Surgery

Dental centers don’t perform dental implants blindly or without any kind of planning. That increases the chances of mistakes and expensive corrections later on. It’s far better to plan everything out ahead of time using a 3D image or a map so that there won’t be any surprises later on.

With computer guided dental implant surgery using CT scans and 3D modeling, you get these benefits:

• You’re given an x-ray image of your jaw.
• It makes implant surgery less painful and more comfortable.
• A CBCT scan helps create an implantation plan.
• Specialized PC software helps surgeons map out the surgery.
• Thanks to this, the surgery becomes more predictable, safe, and quicker.
• Lessening the need for bone grafts means fewer surgeries. Soft-tissue implants become easier to use.
• You don’t need to lose any bone before having dental implants placed.
• Computer assisted surgery (CAS) helps in precise placement of dental implants on pre-planned locations and whatnot.
• As a doctor, you’ll be able to accomplish more complex surgeries than other doctors.
• With this new technology, implants can now be placed where they could not be placed before.

There are no absolute guarantees when it comes to any medical procedure. Even if the most advanced technology is used, there may be some risks involved.

• Not every type of dental surgery requires implants; most people choose to avoid them.
• Doctors and surgeons also need extra training to use computer assisted surgery (CAS).
• Both the dental clinic and the patient pay a lot for this service.
• For patients who undergo an implant procedure, the cost of the procedure can be compounded by additional costs associated with a CT scan and a 3D image.
• Surgeons must bear the initial costs of investing in planning software and specialized surgical instruments.
• Compared to traditional implantation, surgeons will need to plan ahead when performing cosmetic surgery using an implant.

One way to lower costs for dental implants when compared to U.S. health care prices or even the universal health care available in Europe or Canada is to go abroad for dental tourism.

As long as you can afford the expense, computer guided implant surgery has many advantages over traditional surgical methods.

• Faster healing or recovery.
• Accurate treatment for a specific condition.
• Prevention of damage to vital oral and dental structures
• With minimal pain because of the small number of incisions involved.
• Better cosmetic results because the implant looks and feel completely natural.

What’s Involved in the Computer Guidance Process?

As x-ray technology and CAT scan technology has changed our lives for the better, so too should computer assisted implant surgery change the way we perform dental procedures.

Contact us to for your consultation!