Computer-guided surgery uses the images from the patient’s cone beam CT scan to precisely plan implant treatment. Guided surgery software allows you to visualize and manipulate images of the patient’s jawbone and the surrounding tissue, giving us the opportunity to plan the most accurate and precise placement of the dental implant. Cone beam CT images clearly show the available bone, the thickness of soft tissues, vital structures, and the root anatomy and proximity of adjacent teeth.

The main benefits of using computer-guided surgery include precise and accurate implant placement. The ability to visualize vital anatomical structures allows you to better preserve them during guided surgery. In comparison, while traditional surgical guides can provide a predictable outcome, they tend to be trickier to use, especially in the absence of any anatomical references. Detailed treatment planning beforehand helps to reduce or eliminate unexpected events during surgery. Often the time required for implant surgery can be substantially reduced, which is of great benefit to the patient.

The all-on-x process uses a dental bridge anchored by 4 implants that can be placed in your top or bottom teeth. The implants are positioned within the jawbone at the same time. All you need is 4 implants to replace multiple missing teeth. Since the implant is made of titanium, it can fuse to the bone; becoming a part of your jawbone.

Some of the advantages of All-on-x are that it is cost efficient, it replaces all your teeth in one day, it has a natural appearance and can last a very long time, and in most cases, it does not require bone grafting. In addition, it helps prevent bone loss since it supports the bone, giving it more strength.

All-on-x does not affect your speech abilities. Once your new implants are in, you can eat and drink whatever your desire. To maintain your new smile, you need to treat the implants as natural teeth and take care of them the same way you would your old teeth by brushing at least twice a day.

All dental implant treatment is considered complex and will require follow-up visits, as well as maintenance and repairs over time. Home care is also integral to dental implant treatment success as you will need to maintain excellent oral hygiene.

It is also possible that due to bruxism (grinding and clenching) habits, your dental implant may take on excessive force. A nightguard is recommended to be worn every night for the rest of your life to reduce excessive force and protect dental implant treatment that has been completed. You will also need to manage bruxism habits during the day with behavior modification.

Over the course of your lifetime, as discussed with you, replacement of the dental implant or crown may be needed, depending on many facotrs out of the control of the dental practitioners performing your treatment. This will be your expected responsibility as time goes on.

If you would like to discuss anything in more detail, please let us know. It is always our goal to provide you with a full understanding of what this treatment involves, how it must be maintained and managed both sort and long term, and how it can positively influence your oral health and quality of life.