CBCT Scan Computer Guided Surgery

Up until recently, dentists placing dental implants had to rely on 2-dimensional x-ray views.  Although these images provided a good estimate of bone height, they did not give any indication of bone volume – to estimate volume, the dentist was thus guided by look/feel and experience and compromised implant placement was not uncommon.

Now, detailed 3D analysis of the jawbone can be interpreted by powerful computer software and this allows the ‘virtual placement’ of the dental implant on a 3-D computer model.  Computers allow for more precise implant placement and take the risks out of the procedure.  They also help visualise any important structures within the jaw [e.g. nerves and blood vessels and sinus areas]. 

Computer guided surgery allows for more accurate implant placement, often in a key-hole fashion, and this leads to increased post-operative comfort.  Computers also allow for the modelling and production of the restoration before the implant is even placed.

It is fast becoming standard procedure to 3D scan in implant cases and for many patients, this is the safest and most precise way of placing a dental implant.