3D Guided Implants

What are 3D guided implants?

Dental implants have become the gold standard in restorative dentistry for patients who have lost teeth. After a patient loses a tooth or teeth, implants are often placed in the mouth to provide a strong foundation for false teeth that look exactly like the patient’s natural teeth. The use of titanium posts that are inserted through the gums into the jaw bone has revolutionized tooth replacement. Recently, a new and sophisticated surgical technique known as 3D guided dental implant surgery has increased the accuracy with which the titanium posts can be placed in the mouth.

Using 3D dental imaging and state-of-the-art technologies to gather extremely detailed information about the patient’s mouth, face, and other structures, dentists are able to pre-plan the implant surgery, creating a virtual model of the patient’s face. As a result, issues can be resolved in advance of the surgery and the optimal positioning of the titanium posts is optimized. The final result of surgery is even better than what’s possible using traditional surgical techniques for implants.

There are a number of important advantages and benefits to having 3D guided surgery done to ensure proper placement of dental implants. 

Benefits of 3D Guided Implants

• Improved Accuracy - The level of precision that’s possible using 3D guided imagery tools is unprecedented. This higher-level precision means that the exact position of tissues like nerves, bones, nearby tooth roots, the sinus cavities, and blood vessels can be avoided to reduce the risk of adverse effects following surgery. Further, increased accuracy means that the results of surgery are more predictable. Success rates are higher and the aesthetic outcomes tend to be more pleasing. Patients with complex cases (such as where the quality or quantity of bone tissue poses an obstacle to success) are likely to see much better results from surgery performed with these high-tech tools. 
• Improved Safety - Improved accuracy means improved safety for patients. Using a 3D imaging technique, dentists are fully aware prior to surgery about where nerves and blood vessels are located in the face. The risk of complication is substantially diminished as a result. Though the risks involved in dental implant surgery are relatively low, patients with complex cases can relax knowing that imaging technologies are available to avoid some of the challenges specifically unique to their case.
• Increased Comfort  - Using 3D technologies for dental implant surgery means that implant procedures are less invasive. Smaller incisions or sometimes even no incisions are required using these technologies. So surgeries take less time and patients are more comfortable during the recovery process. 
• Easier, Faster Recovery - Because the implant procedure is less traumatic to the tissues, recovery proceeds more quickly for patients. With 3D Guided Imaging, the dental implant procedure causes far less pain, bruising, swelling, discomfort, and bleeding than traditional implant procedures. The smaller incisions allow for faster healing times overall. Patients who undergo surgery using these technologies can breathe easy knowing that their procedure has been precisely planned in advance in order to promote faster healing time. A fast recovery means that the time between start to finish for implants and the dental restoration will be shorter and more comfortable.
• Complex Surgeries Made Simpler - When patients lack sufficient bone tissues or if the bone quality in the jaw is poor, 3D guided imaging surgery significantly diminishes the risks associated with placing implants and it makes the procedure less complex. Using this technology, outcomes are enhanced considerably in complex cases. For the oral surgeon performing the procedure, technologies like 3D imaging make it easier to stay focused on the details of getting the best results given the patient’s unique situation. Virtual models and the ability to plan ahead to avoid issues during the procedure enhances the final results and reduces the risks involved with the procedure.

With Sterling Dental you will be met with a team that will help you restore you smile after you have lost one or more teeth. Call and schedule your appointment to meet with our caring and professional dentist.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are inserted into the jaw, mimicking the root structure of the natural tooth.

A crown is then anchored to the implant that looks, feels & functions like a natural tooth.

Unlike other tooth-replacement options, implants recreate the structure of a natural tooth, can stop bone loss, do not affect adjacent healthy teeth & restore your biting & chewing power.

Dental implants can last a lifetime & will look & feel like your own teeth. Unlike a bridge, which requires that surrounding teeth be ground down, the implant will not affect any other teeth or deteriorate the jawbone. Over time, your gums & jawbone will integrate with the implant, creating a more natural look than with bridges, which can cause gums to recede. Implants are also a secure, comfortable & hassle-free alternative to traditional dentures. Whether you need a single implant or an entire mouthful, the result is both cosmetic & practical, allowing you to eat your favorite foods & smile with confidence again.

If you’re interested in dental implants to replace your missing teeth, the first step is scheduling a consultation visit with our doctors. There are health conditions & risk factors to take into account, so not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants. During your consultation, the doctor will review your oral health & clearly explain your best option for restoring your smile.

What are the health benefits of implants?

Because implanted teeth are fixed in the mouth—rather than being removable, like dentures—they allow a return to the comfort & function of natural teeth. Increased chewing ability means you can enjoy more nutritious foods, contributing to your overall health & wellbeing. Dental implants can help prevent future dental problems, especially the gradual bone loss in the jaw associated with missing teeth.

What are the quality of life benefits?

In addition to being beneficial to your nutrition, no longer being restricted from eating certain foods will certainly improve your mood! You’ll be able to enjoy all the same foods that those with natural teeth enjoy.

Of course, you may be even more excited about your beautiful smile. If you’ve had missing teeth or poor-fitting dentures, chances are you haven’t been confident in your smile for a while. You may have even been hiding it behind your hand or avoiding smiling completely. Many patients who have gotten dental implants report a spike in confidence & the urge to smile a lot, just because they can!

Many implant patients also experience an improvement in facial aesthetics. Your new implants mean your jaws will align properly, giving your face a more balanced & often more youthful appearance.

How long does treatment take?

Depending on your health condition & the type & number of implants you need, the implant procedure can take a day or a total of a few months.

In most cases when only one or a few implants are being placed, the first phase of treatment involves placing the implant in the bone of the jaw & allowing the bone to heal around it. The procedure itself takes 1-2 hours & the healing time can be 3-6 months. Once the dentist is satisfied that the implant is securely healed in place, the crown (i.e. the artificial tooth) will be attached to the implant. This takes one or two visits, depending on the situation.

For patients who are replacing all of their teeth at once, getting implants & prosthetic teeth placed in a single day is possible, though the overall healing time is usually about the same (3 months).

How long do implants last?

When properly taken care of just like natural teeth, dental implants should last a lifetime. In order to make sure your implants last, it’s important to follow all of the post-procedure instructions from your dentist. If you experience any pain or discomfort for an unusually long time after your procedure, please contact us right away.

Can anyone get implants?

Not all patients are eligible for dental implants. Generally, you must be in good general & oral health to be a candidate for implants. Those who are undergoing cancer treatment, have uncontrolled diabetes or uncontrolled periodontal (gum) disease, may not be eligible for dental implants. These conditions can affect whether the dental implant can be properly secured into the bone of your jaw, & can also affect post-operative outcomes. In creating your dental implant treatment plan, the dentist will assess all of the relevant health factors & advise you accordingly.

How are implants better than bridges?

The main way implants are better than bridges for replacing missing teeth is they don’t rely on attaching to surrounding healthy teeth in order to stay in place. Because bridges are attached to surrounding teeth, they require these healthy teeth to be reshaped in order to replace the missing tooth between them. Bridges can also put you at a higher risk of tooth decay in the supporting teeth, while a standalone implant does not.

How are implants better than dentures?

The biggest advantage implants have over dentures is that they’re permanent. Unlike removable dentures or partial dentures, implants do not involve messy adhesives or false teeth getting in the way of speech or eating. Also, because they’re permanent, implants will always be a perfect fit, unlike dentures which may need to be refitted or replaced over time.

Missing Teeth? Have You Ever Wondered…

• What it would be like to smile with confidence again?
• What it would be like to eat your favorite foods again without pain or embarrassment?
• What it would be like to look 10 or even 20 years younger?

With dental implants from Sterling Dental in Libby, all these things are possible!