Our Summary

This study looked at a new type of guided surgery for dental implants that doesn’t use sleeves or keys. They examined patients who had missing teeth and were treated with this new surgery system, then had fixed replacements put in, and checked on them after at least a year.

Sixty people had this type of surgery to install a total of 124 implants. The surgery guides used were all custom made. They found that complications during and immediately after the surgery were low, such as not enough space (12.1%) or the implant not being stable (2.6%), and post-surgery issues like pain and discomfort (6.6%) and mild swelling (3.3%).

Out of all the implants, 90.3% were successfully placed using this guided method. Most of these were done without needing to make a cut in the gum. The implants were used to support different types of dental restorations: single crowns, fixed partial dentures, and full-arch restorations.

All of the implants survived and were still in place after a year. There were a few minor issues with some of the implants, such as gum inflammation around the implant (1.6%), loose screws in the support for the crown (1.6%), and chipping or fractures in the ceramic of the artificial teeth (2.4%).

In conclusion, this new type of guided surgery for dental implants seems to be reliable, but more research is needed to confirm this. The use of this new surgery method could be a good option for dental surgeons to consider.

FAQs

  1. What is the success rate of the new type of guided surgery for dental implants?
  2. What post-surgery complications were observed in the patients?
  3. What kinds of dental restorations were the implants used to support in this study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include taking prescribed medications, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. By following these instructions, the patient can help ensure the success and longevity of their dental implants.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for dental implant surgery are those who have missing teeth and are looking for a permanent solution to restore their smile and improve their oral health. This study specifically looked at patients who were treated with a new type of guided surgery system for dental implants. The results showed that this new method was successful in placing implants and supporting different types of dental restorations.

Overall, the study found that the guided surgery method had low complication rates during and after the surgery, with most of the implants successfully placed and surviving after a year. The minor issues that did occur were manageable and did not affect the overall success of the implants.

In conclusion, this new guided surgery method for dental implants shows promise as a reliable option for patients seeking dental implant treatment. More research is needed to further validate its effectiveness, but it could be a beneficial option for dental surgeons to consider for their patients.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a dentist to discuss treatment options for missing teeth.
  2. Dentist evaluates the patient’s oral health and bone structure to determine if they are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-surgical assessments, such as X-rays and CT scans, to plan the implant placement.
  4. Treatment plan is discussed with the patient, including the number of implants needed and the type of restoration to be used.
  5. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as avoiding certain medications and fasting before surgery.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the guided surgery procedure to place the implants, which involves custom-made guides to ensure precise placement.
  2. Patient may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and pain immediately after the surgery.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including taking prescribed medications and maintaining good oral hygiene.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and check the stability of the implants.
  5. Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, the patient receives their permanent dental restorations.
  6. Patient continues regular dental check-ups to ensure the implants remain healthy and functional.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about dental implant surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after dental implant surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  4. How many implants will be placed and what type of restorations will they support?
  5. How long do dental implants typically last?
  6. What is the success rate of dental implants placed using this new guided surgery method?
  7. Will I need to follow any special post-operative care instructions?
  8. How much will the dental implant surgery cost and will my insurance cover any of the expenses?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  10. Can you provide references or testimonials from previous patients who have undergone dental implant surgery with this new guided method?

Reference

Authors: Chandran S, Sers L, Picciocchi G, Luongo F, Lerner H, Engelschalk M, Omar S. Journal: J Dent. 2022 Dec;127:104349. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104349. Epub 2022 Oct 23. PMID: 36283626