X-Guide® Technology in Washington, D.C.
Advanced Surgical Navigation
At Capital Center® for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we don’t simply use advanced implant technology. We define it, teach it, and refine it for complex real-world cases.
X-Guide® technology is the newest and most advanced system approved for the placement of dental implants. Invented in part by Dr. Robert Emery, the X-Guide® system is invaluable to our practice as a cutting-edge approach to complex surgery that improves the patient experience, reduces surgical risk and inaccuracies, and reduces postoperative pain.
Real Stories: Oral Surgery Patient Reviews
Dr. Emery has provided me with dental surgery care (extractions, implants) for many years, using cutting-edge technology, with consistently impeccable outcomes every time. In addition, his team is very helpful, with administrative and insurance matters handled in a friendly and efficient manner, and the anti-Covid 19 measures in place create a safe and comfortable environment in the office. I highly recommend Dr Emery, without hesitation, should you ever need dental surgery.
P.C., Google Review
Simply the best, from nearly painless procedures to talented office staff. I have had three implants over the years, and he makes it easy. He has developed a computerized guide to help him place them perfectly, and is highly regarded by other dentists and endodontists I’ve seen over 30 years.
K.Y., Google Review
Why Choose Capital Center® for Your Advanced Oral Surgery?
At Capital Center®, technology is a primary tenet of our practice philosophy because it improves the patient experience, enhances safety, and reduces postoperative pain and complications.
We use technology, not because it’s easier, but because it is entirely beneficial to you and your experience.
Dr. Robert Emery is one of the founding developers of the X-Guide® system, using his experience as an expert Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and implantologist to create technology that works for patients and surgeons alike. Capital Center® is a global leader and educator in computer-assisted oral and maxillofacial surgery, providing valuable training in this vital technology.
Book Your Oral Surgery Consultation Today
Drs. Emery, Retana, and Shim are ready to help you achieve a healthy, functional smile with minimal pain and a quick recovery through computer-assisted oral surgery. Call Capital Center® today at (202) 386-7100 or complete the contact form to request a consultation and learn about your options.
What Is X-Guide® Dynamic Navigation?
Traditional oral surgery techniques involve what we call “freehand” work: the dentist or oral surgeon takes an X-ray image of the patient’s mouth and teeth, creates a plan for extraction, and then uses a hand drill or other handheld device to access the tooth or treatment area. But studies have shown that freehand techniques are less effective, carry greater risk, and can result in longer, more painful recovery periods.
In contrast, computer-assisted technology like X-Guide®, sometimes called dynamic navigation surgery or stereotactic surgery, is a much safer, more effective tool for both routine and complex oral surgeries. The X-Guide® system uses advanced imaging technology to provide real-time 3D navigation during surgery. This allows for better visualization of the treatment area, greater accuracy, faster operating times, and less risk. X-Guide® is most commonly used for dental implants, but it is also ideal for extractions and wisdom teeth removal.
What Are the Benefits of X-Guide® Navigation?
Computer-assisted technology is far superior to freehand methods for the following reasons:
- Minimally invasive surgery with smaller incisions
- More precise implant placement
- Reduced the risk of needing subsequent corrective procedures
- Postoperative pain is reduced
- Faster surgical time
How Does the X-Guide® Process Work?
Patients seeking advanced implant and oral surgeries can benefit from the X-Guide® system in a variety of ways, and it is easily integrated into routine consultations and office visits. We’ll break down the X-Guide® surgical steps below:
Step 1: Consultation and X-Clip
Your oral surgeon will need to make an impression of a section of your teeth to hold the X-Clip, which is a sensor that communicates with the computer during surgery. They will warm a small piece of plastic in water, place it on your teeth to take the impression, and then it will harden into place as it cools. The piece is then placed on your teeth in the same spot for the initial CBCT scan (a 3D X-ray image).
Next, your surgeon will use the X-Guide® implant planning software to plan all factors of the ideal implant location. This advanced artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced software helps your surgeon visualize the entire mouth and jaw, including the nerves. Working with you, your dentist, and the software, your oral surgeon will create the ideal surgical plan to achieve the objective with as little trauma and pain as possible.
Step 2: Computer-assisted Surgery
Before surgery, your surgeon and dental technician will calibrate the devices used for surgery: the handpiece, which your surgeon uses to “virtually” perform surgery, and the patient tracker, which tracks the drill and positioning inside your mouth. The X-Guide® literally puts you into the digital world while you are undergoing surgery.
Next, your surgeon performs surgery using the handpiece, which communicates with the X-Guide® in real time. Your surgeon sees your entire mouth and jaw via a screen, providing revolutionary visualization that avoids common mistakes found with freehand methods.
Why Is X-Guide® Ideal for High-Risk Cases?
Many patients who seek dental implants or oral surgery are considered high-risk and are often turned away as candidates with freehand methodologies. Some patients have impacted teeth, low bone density, or complex cases that traditional surgical approaches are ill-equipped to handle, so they are turned away.
At Capital Center®, our experienced oral surgeons routinely use the X-Guide® system to provide care for patients who were told they were not candidates for surgery. The software’s enhanced visualization allows our surgeons to place implants more accurately, even in crowded mouths and for patients with lower bone density.
X-Guide® FAQs
How much does surgery cost with X-Guide®?
The cost of your dental implant surgery or wisdom tooth removal with X-Guide® technology will vary depending on the details of your surgical plan. However, X-Guide® has been shown to reduce surgical time and eliminate the need for secondary procedures, thereby lowering overall costs and increasing safety.
Some or all of your procedure may be covered by dental insurance, helping to alleviate some of the cost. In any case, our experienced team will work with you and insurance companies to determine final costs and offer flexible financing options as needed.