A state-of-the-art technique for the placement of dental implants, image guided surgery is being used by many oral surgeons today. As it has become more common, so too have questions from dental patients about the merits of image guided surgery vs. traditional implant placement. There are quite a few advantages of having your implants placed via image guided surgery, which we’ll explain here in detail.

What Is Image Guided Surgery?

Image guided surgery involves the use of advanced imaging technology and computer software in treatment planning, preparation of sites for implant placement, and implant placement procedures. It builds upon the ability of today’s cone beam 3D imaging technology and advanced software to create interactive, three-dimensional virtual models of a patient’s oral structure and anatomy for precise surgical planning. In image guided surgery, those plans can be implemented in real time and to exacting standards, the interactive technology directing the placement of drills and other instruments to ensure optimal dental implant positioning and angle, according to the exact specifications laid out in the surgical plan. Advantages of using this technology in dental implant surgeries include:

  • More Precise Implant Placement – Image guided surgery offers oral surgeons the ability to place implants with much greater precision than traditional placement. Greater precision means more predictable results and increased implant success rates – especially in more complex cases, such as patients with marginal bone quality and quantity that may present challenges to secure implant placement, for instance.
  • Lower Complication Risk – Use of implant guided surgery allows oral surgeons to see the exact positioning of bones, nerves, sinus cavities and other critical structures as surgery is performed, reducing risk of complications, such as damage to nerves or adjacent teeth.
  • Faster, Less Invasive Implant Placement Procedures – Image guided surgery often allows dental implant placement without the incisions and sutures necessary in traditional implant procedures, providing patients with quicker, more comfortable procedures, less post-operative pain, inflammation and bruising, as well as shorter recovery times.
  • Top Quality Dental Restorations – More precise dental implant placement makes the dental restoration that follows it more precise as well, leading to more stable, comfortable and attractive new smiles for patients.

Other advantages of image guided surgery can include fewer pre-surgery office visits and the ability, in select cases, to place immediate load implants, allowing implants and restorations to be placed during the same day. So there you have it, the rundown of just where things stand as to the question of image guided surgery vs. traditional implant placement. The bottom line is this: given the greater precision, safety and comfort of these procedures, why would you have your dental implants placed by an oral surgeon who has not invested in this state-of-the-art technology?

For more information on Image Guided Surgery for dental implant placement, contact our office at (202) 386-7100.