When performing a surgery such as the placement of a dental implant, we have technology that greatly facilitates the entire surgical process.
What is the 3D scanner used for?
With the information obtained through the scanner, we calculate both the volume of the bone and its density. It also allows us to manufacture the implant according to the specific needs of each patient.
It also enables us to observe and predict the position of the teeth (located next to the tooth that will be implanted), the inclination of the teeth, the position of the bone, and also helps us locate the dental nerve to avoid touching it during the procedure.
The Surgical Guide
To ensure the surgical process of implant placement is precise, a custom prosthesis (the surgical guide) is made beforehand using CAD-CAM technology. This innovative technology allows us to obtain an exact mold of what the future implant will be like. This way, when placing the implant during the procedure, the patient’s gum will not be lifted.
Benefits of using the surgical guide for the patient
Using this technology shortens the surgery time to approximately 30 minutes.
It is painless for the patient. Since the gum is not lifted during the process, the patient also recovers very quickly from the procedure.
It allows two interventions to be performed in a single operation, without needing to wait before placing the final prosthesis.
It is now possible to place the prosthesis without waiting for the healing process to see what position or inclination the teeth will have. By having this information in advance and knowing the exact location of the future implants, it is also possible to manufacture the final prosthesis ahead of time.
The future of dental implantology. Research and studies
We know that the future of dental implantology is very promising. New technologies allow us to shorten processes even more, while also performing them with incredible accuracy.
According to a study from Columbia University (USA), innovation in implantology may focus on enhancing the development of artificial teeth through stem cells, which could develop directly in the patient’s mouth… although that is still to come.