Digital implant surgery plans your implant on a computer first, then uses a custom guide to place it exactly where the plan says. The goal is a smaller opening in the gums and an easier recovery.
At NorthPointe Dental & Implant Center, digital implant surgery is one of the ways Dr. Suk Jun Yun places implants. Dr. Yun, our Grand Rapids, MI implant dentist, builds each plan from a 3D scan of your mouth.
Here's how the process works, step by step.
It Starts With a 3D Picture of Your Jaw
A regular X-ray shows teeth in two dimensions. A cone beam scan shows your jawbone, nerve pathways and sinuses in three.
Researchers note that a shows bone volume, gum thickness and the path of the nerve canals before surgery. That is the same reason 3D dental imaging matters for so many implant cases.
The Implant Is Placed on Screen First
Dr. Yun loads the scan into implant planning software. He then picks the depth, angle and position for each implant based on the quality and density of your bone.
Because the plan is set before your visit, there are fewer surprises on surgery day. If the scan shows thin bone, he may suggest bone grafting before an implant instead.
What the Surgical Guide Does
The plan is turned into a surgical guide, a thin tray that fits over your teeth and gums. Small openings in the guide line up with the planned implant sites.
During surgery, the guide keeps the drill on the planned path and helps protect nearby teeth and the nerve. You can see the guide and other implant technology Dr. Yun uses on the practice website.
A Smaller Opening in the Gums
With traditional implant surgery, the dentist cuts the gum back along the whole site to see the bone. Cleveland Clinic describes this , with stitches to close the gums.
With a guide, the opening only needs to be big enough for the implant. At NorthPointe, that opening is usually small enough that no stitches are needed.
How It Compares With Traditional Surgery
One trial found more pain and swelling in patients who had . The same review notes that guided surgery takes more planning time up front.
Guided surgery is not a fit for every mouth. Your scan and exam will show whether it is the right choice for you.
Healing Still Takes Time
A guide makes placement more precise, but your bone still needs time to bond with the implant. That process can take three to nine months.
Once your new tooth is in place, regular cleanings and good habits matter. These tips on caring for dental implants can help your implant last.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does digital implant surgery take?
Digital implant surgery usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes for every one or two implants at NorthPointe. Most of the work happens earlier, when Dr. Yun studies your scan and sets the plan.
Your full appointment will run longer than the surgery itself. Numbing, fitting the guide and reviewing aftercare all add time to the visit.
How does the dentist know my implant has healed?
Dr. Yun tracks your healing with an Osstell device, which checks that the implant stays stable as it bonds with your jawbone. The test is noninvasive, so it does not disturb the area while it heals.
This helps him decide when your implant is ready for its final crown. Healing times vary from person to person, so the readings guide the timing.
Can a surgical guide be used for every patient?
Not always. A guide needs room to fit, so a small mouth opening or an implant far in the back can make it harder to use.
A review of guided implant systems notes that limited mouth opening and the back of the mouth both add challenges. Your scan and exam help Dr. Yun decide which approach fits your case.
Does guided implant surgery cost more?
Guided surgery can cost more than a traditional approach because of the extra scan, planning and custom guide. One research review notes these added costs for guided protocols.
NorthPointe offers CareCredit and affordable payment plans, which are listed on its financial information page. Ask the front desk for an estimate based on your treatment plan.
Will I be awake during guided implant surgery?
Most patients stay awake, because the area is numbed before the implant is placed. Cleveland Clinic notes that sedation is an option for people who want it.
If you feel nervous, NorthPointe offers laughing gas and oral sedation to help you relax. Talk with the team about these options when you plan your surgery.
Ask About Digital Implant Surgery
If you are missing a tooth and want a precise, gentle placement, a consultation and 3D scan are the first step. Our Grand Rapids, MI dental implant practice can show you your plan on screen before treatment begins.
You can also read more about dental implant treatment on the website.
Call NorthPointe Dental & Implant Center today at (616) 288-6134 or request an appointment online.