What is implantology with virtual guided surgery?

Advances in implant dentistry in recent years have been a revolution for both dental professionals and patients, and especially for the latter, as they have led to a significant reduction in recovery times, less invasive surgeries and lower rejection rates.

One of the most outstanding advances has been the application of virtual and 3D techniques to implant surgery, especially to immediate load implantology procedures. immediate loading implantology procedures.. Planning software for guided surgery allows diagnosis, planning of the intervention and the complete treatment, and easy and graphic information to the patient about the whole process.

If we focus on the benefits for the patient, the application of virtual guided surgery to implantology allows:

• Anticipate the results, that is, foresee any unforeseen events and avoid surprises during treatment, thanks to careful diagnosis and planning of the procedure. Thus, problems such as lack of bone can be detected before the intervention.
• Reduce the duration of the intervention, since it is perfectly planned. Material and personnel resources are programmed, and possible problems are foreseen.
• Perform a less invasive surgery, since knowing exactly where to place the implants with the 3D reconstruction of the jaw, the incisions to place the implant are minimal or non-existent.

These three factors contribute to reduce the recovery time and discomfort associated with the procedure, in 24 hours the patient can enjoy his new teeth, and eat and smile normally.

In addition, the software allows fully customized planning of the entire treatment, from the first visit to the subsequent follow-up. The steps are:

• A first visit, in which a complete examination and all the necessary tests are performed to establish the diagnosis. This includes a complete scan of the patient’s mouth.
• Using 3D software, a reconstruction of the patient’s mouth is made, and the surgical treatment plan is drawn up: where the implants will be placed, which prostheses will be used, and possible contingencies, among other factors. The surgical guide is also designed, which indicates the position and angle at which the dental implants should be placed, according to the available bone and taking into account the prostheses that will be placed on these implants.
• In the laboratory, the prostheses and dental pieces to be used in the intervention are designed, strictly following the protocols established in the program.
• During the intervention, the specialists perform the surgery with the help of the surgical splint, which is minimally invasive, with almost no incisions.

In summary, the virtual guided surgery system is much safer, faster and more efficient than more traditional methods. It allows not only to reduce the time of the immediate loading implantology procedure, but also to perform it with minimal invasiveness, which minimizes discomfort.