Dental Encyclopedia · Implants
Guided Implant Surgery
Guided Implant Surgery
Guided implant surgery is a method of placing implants at the planned position, angle and depth using a surgical guide fabricated from 3D CT imaging and digital planning. It is known to aim at precise placement exactly as planned in advance.
In plain terms
Put simply, instead of placing an implant “by feel,” a template (guide) made from a map designed in advance with CT is fitted onto the gum, and the implant is placed in the exact spot by following its opening. It can be compared to driving while looking at a navigation system.
First, the condition of the bone, nerves and gums is assessed with 3D CT (CBCT) and an intraoral scan, and the position, angle and depth of the implant are designed on a computer. A surgical guide that transfers this design exactly is fabricated and used during placement.
Using a guide is known to help with placing the implant at the planned position while avoiding important structures such as the nerve and the maxillary sinus. It is sometimes applied together with a flapless method that minimizes incision.
That said, guided implant surgery is not always advantageous in every case, and its suitability can vary with bone condition and the placement site, so it is judged after diagnosis.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
- Q. How is guided implant surgery different from conventional implant surgery?
- The difference is that it uses CT-based digital planning and a surgical guide to place the implant at the planned position, angle and depth. It is known to help with placing the implant precisely while avoiding important structures, but it is not always advantageous in every case, and suitability can vary with bone condition.
This entry is for general information. Diagnosis and treatment depend on individual conditions.