Guided Implant Surgery - A New Dimension In Surgical Precision

Accomplishing predictable prosthetic, aesthetic and functional results for single or multiple tooth replacement with dental implants is challenging.  As dental implants become an increasingly viable treatment option for replacing single and or multiple missing teeth or full arch restorations, As a consequence, pre-operative diagnostics are considered to be the foundation of a precise as well as a restoration driven implant placement 

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Guided surgery  technology is helping to improve clinical confidence in dental implant therapy. This technology uses a digital x-ray combined with specialized software that helps the dentist to visualize and plan the placement of a dental implants in three dimentions ,This eliminates the guesswork involved determining what parts of the jawbone offer the best sites for dental implant placement. Furthermore, many clinicians also use a surgical drilling template that is manufactured based on the digital x-ray of the patient's mouth. The drilling template is used during dental implant placement and allows dentists to know exactly where they need to place the dental implant.  Hence, guided implant surgery may also be considered as a next level in quality assurance and provides greater patient satisfaction and simplifies the dental implant treatment process.

Teeth-in-an-Hour™ is a new dental implant surgery system that streamlines the treatment process and provides the patient with permanent teeth in record time. The system incorporates the magic of CT Scans and 3-D imaging software to accurately assess bone structure, map out the areas of best integrity, and create a permanent prosthesis prior to surgery. This revolutionary system offers a more accurate and safer positioning of dental implants and provides the patient with permanent teeth in about an hour.
 
Who is a candidate for Teeth-In-An-Hour?

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Dental health, number of teeth involved and type of teeth to be replaced will determine whether the patient is a candidate for the one-hour implant system. Teeth-In-An-Hour most dramatically benefits patients whose teeth are loose and unsightly, but because of fear have neglected dental treatment. These patients enjoy the removal of decay and bacteria from their mouths as well as the joy of new self-esteem. Other candidates include patients who have struggled with wearing dentures, patient who have suffered bone loss through periodontal disease, those with congenitally missing teeth, or those who lost teeth in a traumatic accident. Whether replacing a single missing tooth or a complete arch, our professional team takes pride in providing all patients with a healthy, vibrant, and gratifying smile.

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All-On-4 for a edentulous jaws is a an exciting treatment producer that take advantage of the benefits of titling posterior implant. This facilitates an optimal prosthetic support for a high pressure modeled acrylic bridge or fixed hybrid PIB (Porcelin implant bridge) that can fabricated and functioning within just a few hours after surgery. This protocol utilizes the simple guide  for predictable and optimal positioning of four implants in mandible and maxilla (Six implants if necessary, in a Maxilla).

Benefits of Guided Surgery Approach:

A.  Minimally invasive.
- Guided surgery technologies  helps to remove some of the uncertainties and risks associated with a dental implant procedure.
-No Significant Pain or Swelling
-Complete flapless and suture less surgery.
-It can be safely performed in high risk patients such as those with coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, patients on drugs like antiplatelets, anticoagulants, advanced age etc.
 
B.    Faster recovery.
- Greatly Reduced Healing Time
 -Immediately back to social life
-Long term comfort & satisfaction
 
C.  Extremely accuracy.
 -Optimal implant size and orientation can be significantly aided by a cross-sectional, three dimensional radiographic exam that allows the dentist to completely visualize the patient's anatomy pre-implant placement. 
-Furthermore, the complementary use of radiographic guides, designed based on restorative principles, reveals the precise illustration of the bone- implant-prosthesis relationship
 
 -Pre- planned guided surgery
 -Reduced chair time and repeat appointments.
 -No Temporaries
 -Immediate restoration protocol.
 -Reduces morbidity.
 
Digital Implant FAQ’s:

What is Oral (Dental) Implant?

Dental Implants represent one of the latest treatment solutions that advancing technology has to offer

Dental implants are new teeth which are supported by artificial titanium roots (“implants”) embedded in the jaw. Implants are the closest replacement to natural teeth that is currently available. After an initial period of 3-4 months, implants undergo a biological attachment with the bone which allows them to be loaded with artificial teeth. The principal advantage of implants is therefore the freedom to replace teeth without cutting the teeth as in the case of crowns and bridges, Prevention of bone loss and healthy tissue.


BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

• IMPROVED APPEARANCE
• IMPROVE COMFORT
• TOOTH SAVING
• IMPROVED SPEECH
• CONVENIENCE
• IMPROVED SELF ESTEEM
• EAT BETTER
• GREAT VALUE
• LIFELONG TOOTH REPLACEMENT

Improved appearance:
There are two parts to every tooth. The crown and the root. The crown is the visible part and the root is the unseen part which anchors the tooth in your jawbone, providing stable support for your crown. When an entire tooth is lost – crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may occur making the face look older. Dental implants can stop this process.

There are many ways to replace tooth crowns, but only dental implants can replace the entire tooth including both crown and root. Dental implants look, feel and function like your own natural teeth.
Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.

Improved Comfort:
Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Exposed nerves and irritation of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort.
Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional full or partial dentures are eliminated.

Tooth saving:
Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health

Improved Speech:
With ill fitting dentures, the teeth slip and slide around the mouth. The facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. Implant supported replacement teeth allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.

Convenience:
Dental implants can eliminate the numerous embarrassing inconveniences of removable partial and full dentures. You will eliminate the use of gooey denture adhesives that must be re-applied throughout the day. You will no longer need to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile, for fear that your teeth will pop out or fall down.

Improved Self Esteem:
Considering all other benefits, chances are that dental implants will improve your overall self- esteem and you will feel better about yourself. At least that is what many of those people who have already been treated with dental implants have told us. You can regain nearly all the capabilities you had with your natural teeth, giving you renewed confidence, and allowing you to enjoy life, do all the things everyone else is doing and not think twice about it. 
Implant supported dentures can be fabricated with reduced extensions, so that patients feel less bulk in their mouths while wearing their denture. With dental implants you won’t have your dentures slipping and sliding in your mouth again and you will enjoy excellent fitted dentures

Eat Better:
The average denture patient with an excellent fitting denture eats at 15-20% efficiency when compared to a person with natural teeth. As the jawbone shrinks, your chewing efficiency is reduced even more, making it difficult to eat certain foods. Dental implants, on the other hand, can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. This allows you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain. You can enjoy what everyone is eating and you don't have to think twice about it.
A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods. With dental implants, you can have the palate removed from your upper denture so you can taste and enjoy your food. 

Great Value:
Although dental implant treatment may initially be more expensive than other treatment methods it often turns out to be the best investment from a long term perspective since most patients can expect them to last a life time. Other treatment methods like bridges and dentures often requires regular alterations and adjustments over time.

Lifelong tooth replacement:
Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

Naturally, every treatment case presents unique conditions that can affect the longevity of a dental implant and no man-made product lasts forever. However, most patients who are treated with dental implants from Nobel Biocare should be able to expect lifelong replacement for their lost teeth.

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures and bridges/ Why dental Implant?

* Stop Bone Loss
Normally, the bone tissue surrounding the root of your tooth is maintained by your body’s natural renewal process. However, if you loose a tooth, you will be left with a hole where your tooth root used to be and the bone around this area will slowly begin to disappear (atrophy) and may change the shape of your jaw. A dental implant placed in that area can actually stimulate bone growth and production, preventing loss of valuable bone structure. In some patients where bone loss is substantial a bone graft may be required before placing a dental implant. Bone loss is a problem for people who have dentures and as the shape of the jaw slowly changes the dentures need to be adjusted or re-made to fit the new shape of the jaw. Bone loss can also make a person look older since the area around the mouth can sag as bone is lost.

* Improved function
Once dental implants are fully integrated into you jaw they function just as well as your own natural teeth and you can eat the foods you want and speak with complete confidence. With dentures, eating hard foods such as an apple can be a problem, either the dentures come loose or patients cannot withstand the hard biting forces as they cause pain in the gums. Irritation and inflammation of the gums is a common problem amongst denture patients. Dentures can be supported by implants or mini-implants which will improve function greatly enabling patients to eat the foods they want with complete confidence and not having to worry about bone loss and loose dentures falling out.

* Improved dental hygiene
Unlike bridges and dentures, which require special cleaning instructions and extra attention, dental implants just need regular brushing, flossing and hygiene appointments just like your natural teeth.

• No need to drill or remove any healthy tooth structure
When replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, the teeth adjacent to the gap need to be prepared and healthy tooth structure is removed to accommodate a crown or bridge abutment to fit over the top of the tooth. In the future if one of the supporting teeth is damaged the entire bridge restoration will also be compromised whereas with an implant the restoration is independent of any of your other teeth. By replacing lost teeth with an implant, no support is required of the adjacent teeth, and hence your natural teeth do not need to be prepared or altered in any way.

* Better aesthetics

If done correctly a dental implant should be indistinguishable from your surrounding natural teeth. Dentures can come loose and look un-natural if they do not blend with your gums and some bridges and dentures have unsightly metal clasps to hold them in place. Dental implants provide a much better cosmetic and functional end result.

Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?

Dental Implants can be placed in patients of any age (with fully developed jawbones) provided that they have sufficient quality and quality of bone tissue available. Most healthy individuals that maintain a good oral hygiene program are suitable candidates for dental implants. Circumstances where implants may not be suitable or situations that have an increased risk of implant failure include:

Heavy smoking – this slows down and hinders the healing process
Excessive alcohol intake – disrupts healing of the gums
Periodontal gum disease – all active gum disease must be treated prior to any implant procedure to ensure long term success of any treatment. Periodontal disease is a major cause of bone loss, which would hinder the success of any implant procedure.

Immuno-compromised individuals (steroids, auto-immune disease, patients undergoing radiation treatment).

Teeth grinders (bruxism) – a night time splint can be given to treat this.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants have been used for over 30 years to replace missing teeth and they can last a lifetime depending upon how you look after them. Like any other restoration your implant-supported teeth can still be damaged by trauma and affected by gum disease and poor oral hygiene.

How do I get started?
The first step is a comprehensive examination of existing teeth, bone and gums. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and discovery of the potential solutions to your condition.

During the first visit, Dr. Nitesh will perform a visual examination and evaluate radiographs (X-Rays). He will then share his findings with you, recommend treatment solutions, and help you determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

We invite our patients to have a family member or friend participate in our discussions, which most patients find very beneficial. In addition, any financial matters will be discussed in detail and in a confidential setting before any treatment is started.

How much time is required for a dental implant placement?

Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.

The conventional process can take from three to six months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, your are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.

Is the treatment painful?
The surgical placement of dental implants causes only minor discomfort similar to having a tooth removed. Post-operative discomfort is controlled with the use of prescriptions. Depending on the extent of the therapy, many persons return to work the day of their surgery. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.

What is the success rate?
Implants as a solution to missing teeth has been practiced for a few decades. Generally, because of advances in implant dentistry over the years, dental implants can have success rates above 90% in natural bone. Having said that, success rates depend on many factors, for example, the patient’s own health status or whether he/she is a smoker. Although at the present time we cannot put a figure down as to the longevity of implants, it is known that the first patient who had implants placed in 1965 still has them in function today. Of course, regular checkups and diligently maintaining one’s oral hygiene is also of utmost importance in preventing failure.

How successful is the treatment & Safety?
Modern dental implant treatment is highly successful, as a general guideline, the five-year success rate of dental implant is over 95% with the lower jaw (mandible) and about 90% with upper jaw (maxilla). The success rates may slowly decrease, as the implant stays longer in function. In difficult cases, the success rates are expected to be lower. Despite the overall high success rates with dental implant treatment, there is still the possibility of failure, which can be contributed by various factors and conditions, such as poor healing power, poor bone quality, smoking and diabetes. & most important of all-Poor oral Hygiene.

Whereas no medical treatment can be guaranteed 100 percent without risks and failures, implant operation can be considered very safe. The prosthetic phase of treatment is basically non-invasive and non –invasive and non-surgical in nature.

Old age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

How will dental implants affect my life?

Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

How will I care for my dental implants?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist in six months, or more frequently if so advised.


Is it Expensive?
The procedure can involve a significant investment and fees can be determined after records and an examination is completed. A survey of 350 patients, after completion of their work, indicated that it was, not only worth the investment, but they would do it again.

Is there a chance of Rejection?
The body does not reject a dental implant, as it might a soft tissue transplant, such as a lung, heart or kidney. This does not mean that an implant cannot fail, but it would be due to other factors, such as misalignment, improper force on the implant or other conditions or existing diseases of the patient. Dental implants are made of a material, titanium, that is totally bio compatible(compatible with body tissues) and actually integrates with the surrounding bone and becomes part of the body.Titanium is also being used more and more in the medical field to replace body parts.

How long could one expect to be off work?
Generally, we recommend the day of and the following day after surgery, that no strenuous exercise be done. You can expect to be slightly swollen. The amount of time off required is an individual decision.

What will happen without treatment?
When you're missing all your teeth, the only way to restore most of your mouth function is with dental implants. In the past, removable full dentures were considered an adequate solution, because it's the best we could do.