Dental implants have long been considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They’re able to fully restore lost teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality—and with proper care, they can last for virtually a lifetime. However, they still require a surgical procedure in order to be placed. But thanks to advancements in technology, this process is now easier than ever before! Here’s why you should consider computer-guided implant placement in Massapequa Park if you’re interested in replacing your lost teeth with dental implants.
How Are Dental Implants Traditionally Placed?
Traditionally, dental implants have been placed by hand; dentists and oral surgeons with specialty training in dental implant placement often rely on a method called “freehand implant placement.” But if this sounds reckless or scary, don’t worry; this tried-and-true method isn’t antiquated or ineffective by any means. The implants are placed into the jawbone at specific locations and angles using digital imaging technology as a guide—and it’s quite successful in most cases!
One of the main benefits of this option is a lower treatment cost. It’s also much more widely available than computer-guided technology. But perhaps the most attractive benefit of the traditional route is the overall timeline is much more streamlined, and it often only requires a single visit, making it an enticing option for patients who only need a single implant. However, for patients who need to replace multiple teeth, the success rate of freehand placement is noticeably lower—making computer-guided placement the superior approach.
Why Computer-Guided Implant Placement Is the Better Option
Despite the level of skill that a dentist might possess, there is still a small margin of error that exists whenever a dentist is placing implants—this is simply due to the complex nature of the process. However, the technology utilized during computer-guided placement can do a lot to decrease this possibility.
Digital impressions are taken of your mouth to create a virtual environment, which is then used to find the exact and optimal positions for your implants. This three-dimensional model of your facial anatomy details everything from your jawbone to your sinuses and nerve pathways, so your dentist knows exactly where they can work and what areas they should avoid. A surgery guide is also drawn up that helps to keep everything on track. Because of the added preparation and superior level of accuracy offered by this approach, you can feel confident about expecting the best possible results. A few other unique benefits include:
- It greatly minimizes the risk of human error.
- Your dentist can easily avoid blood vessels and nerve endings, and also can make much smaller, more precise incisions. This leads to a shorter and more comfortable recovery period.
- It makes it easier to plan for complex or specific cases, such as full-arch tooth replacement.
When it comes to dental implants, the end result is incredible—it’s just a matter of choosing how to get there! If you’re curious about computer-guided implant placement, speak with your dentist about your eligibility and options.
About the Author
Dr. Dory Stutman received his dental doctorate from the School of Graduate Dentistry at Case Western Reserve University and is a proud member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His practice in Massapequa Park is pleased to offer a wide range of services, including dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact Dr. Stutman through his practice’s website or over the phone for assistance: (516) 798-3808.