Our Summary

Researchers tested a new navigation system for dental implants, called the AqNavi system, on 5 dentists and dental students with varying levels of experience. They all drilled holes in dental models and the researchers compared the location of these holes to where they had planned to drill them using the navigation system. The results showed that while there were differences in the precision of the drilling based on experience level, the overall error was not significant between the participants.

This suggests that the navigation system helps all levels of dental professionals accurately place implants, regardless of their experience. So, even dental students could start learning about implant surgery sooner. The study highlighted how this technology can assist in improving the accuracy of dental implant placement, regardless of the dentist’s experience level.

FAQs

  1. What is the AqNavi system?
  2. Does the level of experience of the dentist affect the accuracy of the dental implant placement when using the AqNavi system?
  3. Can dental students also use the AqNavi system for learning about implant surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip a doctor might give a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the dentist or oral surgeon. This may include avoiding certain foods, taking prescribed medications, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments. Following these instructions can help ensure proper healing and successful integration of the implant into the jawbone.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from dental implant surgery typically include those who have missing teeth, severely damaged teeth, or are experiencing bone loss in the jaw. Additionally, patients who are looking for a long-term solution to tooth replacement and have good oral health overall are good candidates for dental implant surgery. Patients should also have sufficient bone density in the jaw to support the implant. However, advancements in technology, such as the navigation system mentioned in the study, can help improve the accuracy of implant placement and potentially expand the pool of patients who can benefit from this procedure.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with the dentist to discuss their oral health history, possible treatment options, and to create a personalized treatment plan.
  2. Pre-operative appointments: The patient may undergo dental X-rays, CT scans, and impressions to help plan the implant surgery.
  3. Treatment planning: The dentist uses the imaging results to create a precise surgical plan for the placement of the dental implants.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Recovery: The patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising immediately after the surgery. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage these symptoms.
  2. Healing process: Over the next few months, the dental implants will gradually integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
  3. Restoration: Once the implants have fully integrated, the patient returns to the dentist to have the abutments and dental crowns or prostheses attached to the implants to restore function and aesthetics.
  4. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with the dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure the implants are functioning properly.

Overall, the timeline for dental implant surgery can vary depending on the individual patient’s healing process and the complexity of the case. However, with the use of advanced navigation systems like the AqNavi system, the accuracy and success rates of dental implant surgery can be significantly improved for patients of all experience levels.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How long have you been performing dental implant surgery?
  2. What is your success rate with dental implant surgeries?
  3. How will the AqNavi navigation system improve the accuracy of my implant placement?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications of dental implant surgery?
  5. How long is the recovery process after dental implant surgery?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to dental implants that I should consider?
  8. What is the cost of dental implant surgery and will it be covered by my insurance?
  9. How many implants do you recommend for my specific case?
  10. What is the expected lifespan of dental implants and how often will I need follow-up appointments?

Reference

Authors: Sun TM, Lee HE, Lan TH. Journal: BMC Oral Health. 2019 Oct 17;19(1):222. doi: 10.1186/s12903-019-0914-2. PMID: 31623636