Our Summary

This paper introduces a new tool for dental implant surgeries. This innovative system uses two tubes that run parallel to the drilling axis to guide the drills and the implant placement. This design prevents the drills from damaging the surgical guide or contaminating the drill hole with particles from the guide. The guide doesn’t need any radiological guide during the radiographic examination stage and can be used with any brand of implants.

The authors have used this system to place 67 implants (31 titanium and 36 zircon implants) in 35 patients. They found that the system can be used in different types of surgeries and techniques, and allows the surgeon to see and irrigate the implant site just as well as if they were operating without a guide.

Overall, the paper suggests that this dental implant guided system could be a significant improvement in the field of implant surgical guides.

FAQs

  1. What is the new tool for dental implant surgeries introduced in this paper?
  2. How does this new dental implant guided system work and what advantages does it offer?
  3. Does the new system work with any brand of implants and does it require any radiological guide?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This includes keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding hard or sticky foods, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with your dentist. By following these instructions, you can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal healing of the dental implant.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for dental implant surgery include:

  1. Patients with missing teeth: Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth, as they provide a permanent and stable solution.

  2. Patients with healthy gums and sufficient bone density: In order for dental implants to be successful, patients must have healthy gums and enough bone density to support the implant.

  3. Patients who are in good overall health: Patients who are in good overall health and do not have any medical conditions that may affect the healing process are typically good candidates for dental implant surgery.

  4. Patients who are committed to good oral hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is essential for the success of dental implants, so patients who are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene are recommended for surgery.

  5. Patients who are non-smokers: Smoking can increase the risk of complications during the healing process after dental implant surgery, so non-smokers are often preferred candidates.

  6. Patients with realistic expectations: It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcome of dental implant surgery and understand the potential risks and benefits.

Overall, dental implant surgery is a suitable option for patients who are missing teeth and meet the necessary criteria for a successful outcome.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Initial consultation and examination with the dentist to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for dental implants.
  2. Treatment planning and discussion of options with the patient, including the use of a surgical guide.
  3. Pre-operative procedures such as X-rays, impressions, and possibly a CT scan to assess bone density and structure.
  4. Fabrication of a surgical guide based on the treatment plan and patient’s anatomy.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Placement of the surgical guide during the surgery to ensure accurate implant placement.
  2. Drilling and placement of the dental implant using the guided system to prevent damage to surrounding tissues and ensure proper positioning.
  3. Post-operative care and instructions for the patient, including pain management and oral hygiene.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the dentist to monitor healing and check the stability of the implant.
  5. Restoration of the implant with a crown or bridge once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can you explain the specific procedure for the dental implant surgery using this new guided system?
  2. How does this guided system prevent damage to the surgical guide or contamination of the drill hole?
  3. Are there any specific benefits or advantages to using this guided system compared to traditional methods?
  4. How many implants have been successfully placed using this system, and what has been the success rate?
  5. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with using this guided system for dental implant surgery?
  6. Will I still need to undergo a radiographic examination before the surgery, or is it not necessary with this system?
  7. Can this guided system be used with any type or brand of implants, or are there limitations?
  8. How does this guided system improve visibility and irrigation during the implant placement process?
  9. Is there any additional training or experience required for a surgeon to use this guided system effectively?
  10. Are there any follow-up care or maintenance instructions specific to implants placed using this guided system?

Reference

Authors: Fauroux MA, De Boutray M, Malthiéry E, Torres JH. Journal: J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018 Jun;119(3):249-253. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2018.02.002. Epub 2018 Feb 20. PMID: 29471048