Our Summary

This research was conducted to understand how different surgical approaches to dental implant placement affect the success and accuracy of the procedure. The researchers looked at two methods: guided surgery and navigation surgery.

They compared these methods to conventional implant surgery by reviewing a large number of previously published studies. The outcome measures they looked at were implant survival (how long the implant lasts) and implant accuracy (how correctly the implant is placed).

The findings showed that both the guided surgery and navigation surgery had similar success rates to traditional methods. The accuracy of where the implant was placed was also similar in both methods.

In simple terms, regardless of whether a dentist uses a guided or navigation surgical method for dental implant placement, the success and accuracy rates are likely to be the same as using a conventional method.

FAQs

  1. What surgical approaches to dental implant placement were studied in this research?
  2. Did the research find any differences in success rates between guided surgery, navigation surgery, and conventional implant surgery?
  3. Is the accuracy of the implant placement affected by the surgical approach used?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and successful implant integration. This may include instructions on proper oral hygiene, diet restrictions, and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol during the healing process. By following these instructions, patients can help minimize the risk of complications and ensure the long-term success 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 oral function. Other factors that may make a patient a good candidate for dental implant surgery include:

  • Sufficient bone density and volume in the jaw to support the implant
  • Good overall oral health, including healthy gums and teeth
  • Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking, as smoking can affect the success of the implants
  • Patients who are committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups
  • Patients with realistic expectations about the procedure and the recovery process

Ultimately, a thorough evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon will determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for dental implant surgery.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Patient consultation: The patient meets with the dentist to discuss their oral health and determine if they are a good candidate for dental implants.
  2. Treatment planning: The dentist creates a treatment plan, including determining the number of implants needed and the placement location.
  3. Pre-operative preparations: The patient may need to undergo dental cleanings, extractions, or bone grafting before the implant surgery.
  4. Implant placement: The dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Healing period: The patient allows time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
  2. Follow-up appointments: The patient visits the dentist for regular check-ups to monitor healing and ensure the implant is properly integrating.
  3. Placement of abutment: Once the implant has healed, the dentist attaches an abutment to the implant, which will hold the artificial tooth or crown.
  4. Placement of artificial tooth: Finally, the dentist places the artificial tooth or crown onto the abutment, completing the dental implant restoration process.

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 does the dental implant procedure typically take to complete?
  3. How much pain or discomfort can I expect during and after the surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of dental implant surgery in your practice?
  5. How long do dental implants typically last?
  6. Will I need to follow any special post-operative care instructions?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How many dental implants have you placed in your career, and what is your level of experience with this procedure?
  9. Can you show me before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone dental implant surgery?
  10. What alternative treatment options do I have if I am not a good candidate for dental implants?

Reference

Authors: Aghaloo T, Hadaya D, Schoenbaum TR, Pratt L, Favagehi M. Journal: Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2023 May-Jun;38(suppl):7-15. doi: 10.11607/jomi.10465. PMID: 37436945