Guided implant surgery explained
The term ‘guided surgery’ refers to the use of advanced technology within the dental implant procedure. With this technology, the level of accuracy during implantation is greatly increased
Dr Olurotimi Adesanya explains all you need to know about guided surgery — how it differs from freehand surgery, who should have it, and its accuracy and success rate to date.
WHAT IS GUIDED SURGERY?
During any implant surgery, a dental implant is inserted into the bone under your gum that allows your dentist to place a replacement tooth into your mouth.
During implant guided surgery, your dentist inserts the dental implant with the aid of a digitally designed surgical guide. This guide is created by applying information from a dental conebeam tomography (CBCT) 3D scan and a digital impression of your mouth.
HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL FREEHAND SURGERY?
Implant guided surgery differs from traditional freehand surgery primarily due to its advanced imaging technology.
The digitally designed surgical guide has the potential to offer the highest level of precision and control during the procedure. The technology ensures that the implant is placed even more accurately and efficiently than with traditional freehand. Additionally, guided implant surgery is quicker than freehand.
WHY WOULD I NEED GUIDED SURGERY?
Anybody who needs a dental implant will benefit from guided surgery because it allows the dentist to make a very clear assessment of the mouth. By doing so, the implants are placed precisely and exactly where expected. Also, with guidedsurgery, thedentistisableto identify any problems from the CBCT 3D scan and address them before the surgery is performed.
HOW IS IT DECIDED THAT IT’S THE RIGHT METHOD FOR MY CASE?
Following a thorough clinical assessment and investigation, your dentist will be able to advise you on whether guided surgery is the most beneficial option. If you’re a suitable candidate for a dental implant, then you’re most likely suitable for guided surgery.
HOW DOES GUIDED SURGERY WORK WITH TOOTH IMPLANT PLACEMENT?
With the digitally manufactured guide, the dentist can place the implant. This guide is highly precise and the implant will be placed in the exact area as planned. This ensures that the procedure is safe and no vital structure within the mouth is damaged.
HOW ACCURATE IS THE PROCEDURE? WHAT’S THE SUCCESS RATE?
As long as the digital guide is made carefully with no errors or manufacturing inaccuracies, guided implant surgery is even more accurate than freehand.
Dental implant procedures have a success rate of over 90% in patients who are in good general health and free of oral cavities. Guided implant surgery contributes greatly to this success rate due to its capacity to be incredibly precise and to reduce surgical time, which ultimately helps to reduce post-operative pain and swelling.
WHAT IS FASTBRACES® ?
Fastbraces® Technologies is a highperformance bracket system used to straighten teeth. The system uprights the roots of the teeth toward their final position from the beginning of the treatment using just one wire.
One of the benefits of Fastbraces® is that patients see a noticeable difference in their teeth within a matter of days and some could be out of braces in less than 100 days.
Dr Olurotimi Adesanya will explain everything you need to know about the revolutionary orthodontic system, including who can benefit from the procedure.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M ELIGIBLE FOR FASTBRACES® OR NOT?
To know if you’re eligible you’ll need to be examined by the dentist to check your bone level, gum and teeth. If there’s any disease of the gum, bone and teeth this will need to be treated before the start of the braces treatment.
WHAT ARE THE MECHANICS OF FASTBRACES® ? HOW DO THEY MOVE THE TEETH INTO POSITION?
The patented bracket is placed on the tooth and a square wire is placed between the brackets and held into position with ‘O rings’ (rubber-like material). The wire engages the elbow of the bracket and then transmits light force to the root of the tooth, along the whole length of the root.
The alveolar bone is one of the tissues in the jaw bone that supports, surrounds and helps to hold the tooth in place. The fitted brace moves the tooth, which results in alveolar bone remodelling and development. This allows the tooth to move towards its naturally erupted position from the very start of the procedure. Consequently, the tooth is aligned into a better place in the arch.
ARE MULTIPLE TRIPS
TO THE ORTHODONTIST REQUIRED WHEN YOU HAVE FASTBRACES® ?
With Fastbraces® technology, patients are expected to visit the dentist every two to three weeks during the period of treatment.
WHAT AFTERCARE IS REQUIRED ONCE FASTBRACES® HAVE BEEN REMOVED?
The patient will need a removable retainer to wear at night. They’re advised to have a fixed retainer as well, which is wire behind the front teeth in the upper and lower arch.