Compared to other types of false teeth, dental implants are more durable and they look and function just like natural teeth. But in order for dental implants to look and feel as natural as possible, they require perfect placement in the bone and overlying gums.
Placing dental implants is much more accurate when a dentist uses a custom-made tool called a surgical guide. Below, we explain exactly what a surgical guide is, and how it is used during dental implant surgery.
What Is a Surgical Guide for Dental Implants?
A surgical guide is an instrument that helps dentists place dental implants as accurately as possible. The guide looks a lot like a clear retainer, with holes that show exactly where to place the implant posts.
Surgical guides are custom-designed to fit perfectly over the patient’s teeth or gums. The custom fit ensures that the dental implants are precisely placed for optimum appearance, function, and longevity.
How Are Surgical Guides Made?
Because they are tailored to each individual, the process of creating a surgical guide begins with taking digital impressions of the mouth and jaw. The scans are then uploaded to computer-aided design (CAD) software, which designs the surgical guide so it can be manufactured with the perfect dental implant placement.
Usually, you would have to wait for your surgery until the guide comes back from the lab. But at Copper Creek Dental, we have the technology to design and fabricate custom surgical guides in-house, so it is possible to undergo dental implant surgery the same day the scans are taken.
Four Benefits of Using a Surgical Guide for Dental Implant Surgery
1: Improved Accuracy
Dental implant sites can be extremely difficult to see, which makes accurate placement challenging. But using a surgical guide ensures that the dental implants are perfectly placed. Surgical guides reduce the risk of complications like dental implant failure that are caused by improper placement.
2: Reduced Surgery Time
Another significant benefit of surgical guides is that they help reduce the overall surgery time. The guide provides a template for the exact implant placement, so the oral surgeon doesn’t have to take extra time to locate the implant site. This is especially helpful for procedures that require placing more than one implant, such as implant-supported dentures.
3: Faster Recovery and Less Pain
Freehand dental implant surgery is typically more invasive, leading to a longer recovery time. Knowing exactly where to place the implant post makes the surgery as simple as possible, promoting faster healing after surgery. Also, because we don’t have to pull back the gums from the bone, the level of pain after surgery is minimal.
4: Improved Aesthetics
Precise placement also helps give the dental implant the most aesthetically pleasing appearance. Placing a dental implant without a guide can give it an unnatural angle, an unattractive gap, or make it stand out from the existing teeth. A surgical guide allows the resulting smile to look as natural as possible.
Guided Dental Implant Surgery in South Jordan, Utah
Are you considering dental implant surgery to replace your missing teeth? Copper Creek Dental can help you achieve the smile of your dreams in as little time as possible. Our custom, in-house surgical guides will ensure fast and accurate dental implant placement.
Give us a call at 801-280-1911 to schedule a consultation and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/28/2023). Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels