Computer Guided Dental Implant System
Crowns and conventional bridges or dentures may not be your only options when replacing missing teeth. Surgically placed below the gum, dental implants integrate to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture. They can be used to replace any tooth including molars!
Implants offer stability because they integrate to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural and some people find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes.
Candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Prouty will help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental Implant
MINIMALLY INVASIVE & NO DOWN TIME!
How are "Computer Guided Implants" different? Using CEREC Cad Cam and 3D XG technology, Dr. Prouty can precisely place the implant in the ideal location using a surgical guide. This guide eliminates the need to cut a flap in the gum to expose the bone underneath, which in turn eliminates the need for sutures making it much more comfortable for the patient. No downtime is needed immediately after placement! Go right back to your normal activity.
In addition, using the surgical guide allows Dr. Prouty to place the implant in just the right position avoiding contact with nerves and sinuses.
HOW WE DO IT!
- "We design a new tooth for you, then plan the implant to be centered underneath it." First, we scan the area of the missing tooth with CEREC to create your 'virtual' crown in just the right shape and dimension.
- Next, we take a digital 3D scan of the area. Dr. Foster reviews it thoroughly documenting location of nerves and sinuses and takes detailed measurements. Then Dr. Foster places your implant 'virtually' at just the right depth and angle. This allows him to be precise in the location of the implant in proximity to your other teeth thus avoiding nerves and sinuses.
- This data then integrates with our CEREC Cad Cam system where he virtually places the crown on the implant assuring the best shape and size to fit your bite and your smile. Once the virtual components are all in place, he uses the data to mill a surgical guide (usually right here in our office).
- Dr. Foster then uses this surgical guide while placing your implant. The guide directs him to a pre-planned depth and angle of your implant assuring the most accurate placement. No more free hand approach and no more gum flaps! Most implant surgeons approximate the location of the implant. They cut a large flap in the gum to expose the jaw bone underneath, then must add several sutures once the implant is placed. This adds to the healing time and discomfort for the patient.
- The "Guided Implant" system allows Dr. Foster to simply punch a very small hole in the gum to place the implant. No sutures needed and using the guide takes the guess work out of the equation, assuring the best possible position, for the best possible outcome.
WHY WE DO IT THIS WAY:
- Ideal placement for the best possible outcome,
- No painful gum flap needed,
- No sutures,
- No return visit to remove the sutures, and
- No downtime with little to no discomfort for the patient!
It just makes sense to go guided!
After a course of healing, you will return for the crown and abutment. However, sometimes we're able to place the crown at the same time as the implant. If this is not suitable for your tooth, we'll suggest an alternative to fill in the gap until the permanent crown may be placed.
