What is Computer-Guided Dental Implant Placement?

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A tooth with the dental implant components

If you’re considering dental implant treatment, having digitally mapped surgery could be a more predictable and comfortable option to replace missing teeth and restore your smile.

At Modern Dental, 3D implant therapy is our standard of care.

In this blog, you’ll learn the basics of computer-guided dental implant placement and why it’s recommended by our dentists in Richardson, TX.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is like an artificial tooth root, which supports a fixed prosthesis (dental crown, bridge, or denture) on top of it.

When we place the implant into the jaw… This text opens a new tab …, it essentially mimics the form and function of your previously present natural tooth root. Even new bone forms around it, fusing it permanently into its location.

Once the implant heals, typically in three to six months, a dental restoration is placed on top to restore the beautiful appearance and full functionality of your new tooth.

Implants are often the preferred method of replacing missing teeth, as they stand independently and do not require altering any healthy tooth structure.

Additionally, dental implants tend to function much longer than other treatment types, usually lasting for the rest of your life.

How computer-guided dental implant placement works

Conventional dental implant procedures have always been placed “by eye,” combined with two-dimensional dental x-rays.

However, Modern Dental of Richardson has invested in state of the art CBCT imaging equipment, which allows us to capture 3D scans of your oral anatomy rather than rely on 2D x-rays.

The CBCT machine itself is similar to the “panoramic” x-ray equipment that you may have had taken in the past.

As the low-radiation digital scanner… This text opens a new tab … encircles your mouth, it measures the density of thousands of anatomical features, storing it in your digital chart to recreate a virtual “model” of your smile within our treatment software.

The accuracy of computer-guided dental implants

Once a 3D model of your anatomy is captured, we can evaluate your bone structure and density, vital for successful implantation.

Then we’ll create a computerized guide that shows the very best placement for your new dental implant.

During the planning process, we can make changes or adjust the proposed implant’s location and angle, maximizing its stability within your existing bone structure.

This process may sound like a bit much, but it provides us with significant advantages over traditional surgical placements.

The benefits of computer-guided surgery for dental implants

With a computerized implant guide, you can expect:

  • A more efficient procedure and shorter appointment
  • Smaller and cleaner incisions
  • Reduced discomfort
  • Faster recovering and healing
  • Less risk for complications and implant failure
  • A lessened need for additional sinus surgeries or bone grafts

Bonus:

If you were previously not considered a candidate for dental implants, you might now be eligible! 3D dental technology has opened doors to more options.

Would you like to map your dental implant treatment digitally?

Schedule a no-fuss consultation with our restorative dentists, Dr. Mitchell Kim and Dr. Blanca Peña, to see if 3D guided dental implants are an option for you.

Great news:

You may be eligible to save 15% off all implant treatments by joining our Simplicity Plan.

Contact us to book a consultation today:

Our office is located in Richardson, TX and serves surrounding areas, including Dallas, Plano, Garland, Allen, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie, Addison, and Frisco.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in September 2015 and has been revamped for comprehensiveness and timeliness.