In the world of dentistry, few things are as innovative and effective as guided surgery. The combination of digital technology and classic dental implant surgery, this procedure is a game changer.
This advancement is slowly becoming standard of care in dentistry. Guided surgery is a less invasive procedure with both high accuracy and aestethic results. It has proven to simplify dentists work and preserve anatomical structure by offering higher flexibility in challenging cases.
Although at its core guided surgery is grounded in simplicity, it requires training, experience, and skill. One of the golden rules of this procedure is – never skip steps – attention to details being a necessity during all workflows – all steps are inter-related for final case success.
While many dentists new to implant surgery will use “Guided” for single implant cases, its forte lies in treating partially and fully edentulous cases, where multi-implants are in play. Guided surgery is proving to be a simple and very effective way to replace multiple missing natural teeth for patients.
Workflow in three steps
Guided surgery is strongly linked to digital technology. All three steps of the workflow are essential for a safe outcome.
- Virtual Design – Once the CT information has been loaded into a software program, and bone measurements made of the area to receive the fixture, TAG implants can be chosen from the software library. Using planning software (which shows a 3 dimensional radiographic rendering of patient jaw anatomy) a template design for virtual planning of the ideal position for implant placement, including exact fixture depth and anglulation is enabled.
- 3D Printing – Uploading the planned implant positioning information to a printing software program, or sending the file to a chosen laboratory, will provide you with a surgical stent or template that fits over the patients teeth, not unlike a nightguard. Once seated intraorally, the stent provides a secure position that incorporates all pre-planned measurements and allows drilling and implant placement to be completed.
- Guided surgery procedure – Using the TAG guided surgical kit, the implant is placed in a safe and elegant manner, starting with the guided tissue punch and bone mill to the fixture insertion and cover cap placement.
Advantages for dentists and patients
- Safety – Top-tier accuracy is involved, starting from 3D imaging technology to Tag’s implant design, all provide a high degree of security for both doctor and patient.
- Time & Resource Efficiency – The time frame of surgery is substantially reduced, as guided surgeries can lead to a renewed patient smile in just one day.
- Precision – The procedure is more easily understood by patients and surgical obstacles can be anticipated prior to any surgical procedures.
- Traceability – The planning of the procedure, which is tracked and recorded by multiple sources, will be benchmark in the future.
The benefits of guided surgery are considerable for patients dentists alike. This practical methodology introduces confidence by seeing and understanding each step of the procedure, making the intervention a highly accurate experience.
We looking forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas about this topic. To learn more about the latest innovation in implantology, visit our Tag Resource Center and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Keywords: tag dental, dental implants, implantology, implants, guided surgery, dental surgery, digital technology, CAD/CAM, digital solutions
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