Our Summary

The study is about comparing two methods of dental implant surgery: static computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) and freehand implant surgery. The researchers conducted the study on patients with a gap in their teeth. They used different tools to plan the implant surgery digitally and then performed the surgery. In the static CAIS group, they used a surgical guide to precisely place the implant. In contrast, the freehand group did not use a guide and relied on the surgeon’s skills. After the surgery, they measured the accuracy of the implant positions. The results showed that the static CAIS method was more accurate than the freehand method in placing implants. Therefore, using a computer-assisted approach when doing a dental implant surgery can lead to better results.

FAQs

  1. What are the two methods of dental implant surgery compared in the study?
  2. How did the researchers measure the accuracy of the implant positions?
  3. What were the results of the study and what does this imply about the use of computer-assisted implant surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including proper oral hygiene practices and attending follow-up appointments to ensure the implants heal properly. This will help minimize the risk of complications and ensure the long-term success of the implants.

Suitable For

Patients who are missing one or more teeth and are looking to restore their smile and improve their oral health are typically recommended dental implant surgery. Additionally, patients who have sufficient bone density and good overall oral health are good candidates for dental implant surgery. Patients with certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or heavy smokers may not be suitable candidates for dental implant surgery. It is important for patients to consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for dental implant surgery.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine if the patient is a good candidate for dental implants.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation and planning, including X-rays, dental impressions, and digital scans.
  3. Discussion of treatment plan, including the type of implant, number of implants needed, and cost.
  4. Placement of temporary prosthetic if necessary to maintain appearance and function.
  5. Pre-operative instructions, such as fasting before surgery and medications to avoid.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative care, including instructions on how to care for the surgical site and manage pain.
  2. Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure proper integration of the implant with the jawbone.
  3. Placement of permanent prosthetic once the implant has fully healed and integrated.
  4. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain oral health and prevent complications.
  5. Long-term care and maintenance of the dental implants to ensure their longevity and function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of static computer-assisted implant surgery compared to freehand implant surgery?
  2. How does the use of a surgical guide in static CAIS improve the accuracy of implant placement?
  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with static CAIS that I should be aware of?
  4. How long does the static CAIS procedure typically take compared to freehand implant surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of static CAIS compared to freehand implant surgery in terms of implant integration and overall patient satisfaction?
  6. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or procedures after undergoing static CAIS for dental implant surgery?
  7. How experienced is the dental team in performing static CAIS procedures, and what is their success rate with this method?
  8. Can you provide me with any before and after images or examples of patients who have undergone static CAIS for dental implant surgery?
  9. How does the cost of static CAIS compare to freehand implant surgery, and are there any insurance coverage options available for this procedure?
  10. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions I should follow after undergoing static CAIS for dental implant surgery?

Reference

Authors: Smitkarn P, Subbalekha K, Mattheos N, Pimkhaokham A. Journal: J Clin Periodontol. 2019 Sep;46(9):949-957. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13160. Epub 2019 Jul 19. PMID: 31241782