The decision to get dental implants has the potential to change your life in numerous beneficial ways. Before you can enjoy the advantages of a restored smile, however, you will have to undergo dental implant surgery. Different dentists and specialists employ a variety of tools and techniques to accomplish this procedure. You have the opportunity to choose between freehand or guided dental implant surgery. Which is better? Read on to find out from an oral surgeon in Albuquerque.
Guided Implant Surgery
Guided dental implant surgery involves a highly detailed planning process. It requires the use of a CBCT scanner (aka cone beam scanner) which captures three-dimensional images of your teeth, jawbone, and other oral structures. A dental laboratory uses CBCT scans and communicates with your dental implant dentist to create a custom surgical guide.
The guide is then used during surgery. It helps the doctor performing your surgery ensure your implants are placed at the correct location, depth, and angle. Guided surgery may allow patients to enjoy a shortened healing time and an extremely low risk of complications.
The only real downside to guided implant surgery is it may make your total treatment time a bit longer and add to your overall costs. However, most patients would agree that the benefits of guided surgery make it worth the time and money.
Freehand Surgery
The term “freehand” might be a little misleading. A dentist who uses this technique will still carefully plan your surgery with X-rays and perhaps CBCT scans. However, they will not go back and forth with a laboratory to create a precise guide for use during the procedure.
Before CBCT scanners and guided surgery techniques became popular, freehand dental implant placement was the norm. It has a success rate of over 95 percent, and freehand techniques are still widely used. This is especially true of cases where just one dental implant is being placed, and the risks of surgical complications are low to begin with.
Which Is Better for You?
A study published in 2018 compared treatment results from 20 dental implant patients. Half of them underwent computer-guided surgery, and half underwent freehand surgery. All the patients were happy with the way their implants looked and functioned. However, two dental implant failures occurred in the freehand group, while none occurred in the guided group.
While freehand surgery isn’t necessarily “bad,” it undeniably carries a higher risk than guided dental implant surgery. It may be especially wise to seek guided surgery if you are having multiple implants placed or if there are other factors present that make your case somewhat complex. The doctor who will perform your surgery will be happy to help you compare your treatment options.
About the Practice
At Nob Hill Oral & Facial Surgery of Albuquerque, our oral surgeons have decades of combined experience and are very passionate about helping their patients. We are proud to have served the Albuquerque community since 1988. During a guided dental implant surgery, our team utilizes the cone beam CT scan and digital impressions to generate a model of your oral cavity. This increases the chances of successful treatment and decreases the risk of implant failure. You can schedule a consultation on our website or call (505) 881-7373.