Your oral surgeon’s skill and experience are both hugely important in determining the ultimate outcome of your dental implant procedure. However, several other factors come into play — including technology! In recent years, there have been several advancements in the field of dental implant technology that consistently contribute to an improved treatment process and better overall results. This blog post delves into just a few of those innovations.
CBCT Treatment Planning
Regular digital X-rays can tell your dental team a lot about the state of your oral health. However, they do not have the level of detail that is necessary to plan precise dental implant procedures.
That is why many practices have invested in a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner. Also known simply as a cone beam scanner, this machine uses a cone-shaped beam of radiation to produce three-dimensional images of your jawbone, teeth, and other important oral structures. Armed with that information, your dental team can create a precise and personalized treatment plan for you.
Guided Surgery
In the past, dentists had no choice but to use freehand dental implant placement. In other words, they simply took an educated guess as to exactly where, at what angle, and how deep to place implants in a patient’s jawbone.
Very often, freehand placement is successful. However, guided surgery is superior. With the use of custom surgical guides, which are often created via CAD/CAM technology, oral surgeons are able to place implants exactly where they need to go. This can reduce the risk of dental implant failure, especially in complex cases or when a patient requires multiple implants.
Immediate Restoration
From beginning to end, the dental implant process can take several months or longer. Anything that speeds things up is certainly worthy of attention! Nowadays, many oral surgeons are able to offer immediate provisional restorations. For example, with All-on-4 treatment, you can get your teeth extracted, receive your dental implants, and have a temporary denture attached to them — all in the same day!
Other Innovations
The above technologies and methods are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dental implant innovations. Advancements in materials, surgical techniques, and more are always improving the treatment process. Talk to your oral surgery team to learn about some of the specific technologies they use to help their patients enjoy high-quality treatment.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Jeff Lee is an experienced oral surgeon in Marietta who is proud to offer top-quality dental implant services to our community. He is proud to utilize CBCT scans, guided implant surgery, and other technologies to provide top-level care to each and every patient. To learn more about him and how our team may be able to help you rebuild your smile, contact Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery at 740-236-9392.