Patients with tooth loss can find an optimal tooth replacement solution with modern dental implants. Dr. Ira Goldberg, a dentist in Succasunna, NJ, discusses technological advancements in implant dentistry in a new blog post.
Guided Implant Surgery
Traditionally, implant dentists carefully plan the locations and angles that we need dental implants placed at so we can put teeth where they need to be. We use landmarks such as adjacent teeth or teeth in the opposing jaw. Sometimes we may fabricate a template of the final teeth (such as a denture) and use them as a guide. These are all manual, or analog, techniques.
At some point, implant dentistry entered the computerized, or digital world. Software was created that allows dentists to plan the positions of implants virtually. We can then communicate this data to 3-D printers that print custom guides that fit onto your teeth or jaws. These guides allow us to place implants with precise control of the aforementioned angles, and even the correct depth.
Newer technology has been developed that parallels GPS concepts. GPS, or Global Positioning System, is used to pinpoint your location around the globe. Within implant dentistry, overhead cameras pinpoint the surgeon’s exact position. This data is fed into a computer that allows the dentist to control the important parameters of angulation and depth.
Printed guides still have their place, but these GPS systems have additional advantages over guides: Faster and simpler procedures for the patient, less cost, faster planning, no production times, and better control are some of these parameters.
One area this technology is becoming extremely useful in is “full arch” dental implants, commonly known as All-On-Four. This procedure involves the removal of any remaining teeth, the placement of 4 to 6 implants, and teeth connected to those implants. Typically, all of this is done in one appointment. With the GPS equipment, we can place the implants faster, more predictably, and the temporary teeth can be fabricated with more accuracy.
You will not find this technology in all dental offices. Expect to find it only in practices that perform a lot of dental implant surgery. As you may expect, we have made it part of our armamentarium here at Morris County Dental Associates, where implant procedures are performed multiple times per day.
Your Dental Implant Expert in Succasunna, NJ
Dr. Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 27 years and is recognized as an expert in the field of dental implants. He performs all phases of implant dentistry at his office in Succasunna, NJ. He also lectures to dentists in the field of implantology. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at (973) 328-1225.