These Digital Tools Increase the Success Rate of Dental Implants

Nothing beats the form and function of a real tooth—but dental implants come pretty close. That’s why they’re tops among both dentists and patients for replacing missing teeth.Much of an implant’s functionality and durability can be credited to its material construction, from the titanium metal post imbedded in the jawbone to the lifelike porcelain crown attached at its other end. But an implant’s “nuts and bolts” isn’t the only reason why this premier dental restoration is so popular: A good portion of their success comes from the adjunct support provided by digital technology.Without this varied array of computer-based applications used in planning, designing and installing them, implants couldn’t produce the level of satisfactory outcomes they currently do. Here then are a few of the high-tech tools dentists use to make sure your implants result in a winning smile.CBCT scanning. Implant placement requires a high degree of precision often complicated by various anatomical structures like nerves, blood vessels and sinuses within the gums and jaws. Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) scanners rotate around a patient’s head, taking hundreds of digital x-ray images that are then assembled into a 3-D model image. Dentists can view this model from various angles to identify obstacles and better pinpoint the best implant locations.Digital impressions. Dentists can also create a 3-D digital impression model of the inside of a patient’s mouth that can give them views of their current teeth and gums from any angle. This aids in determining the size and type of implant so that it blends seamlessly with remaining teeth. A digital impression can also provide both the dentist and patient a preview appearance of their future smile after treatment.3-D printed surgical guides. To accurately drill the implant site during surgery, dentists often create a custom-made device called a surgical guide that fits into the patient’s mouth during the procedure. Using results from scanning and digital impressions, highly accurate guides can be created with a 3-D printer. This further ensures that the implant will be in the exact best location for the most attractive and functional outcome.Implantology is as much art as it is science in achieving a beautiful smile. These and other digital tools help make that desirable end a reality.If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.