Dental implants and guided surgery

Written by: Dr Olurotimi Adesanya MBE
Published:
Edited by: Emma McLeod

The term “guided surgery” refers to the use of advanced technology within the dental implant procedure. With technology, the level of accuracy during implantation is greatly increased. In this article, Dr Olurotimi Adesanya explains how guided surgery differs from freehand surgery, who should have it, its success rate and more.

 

The angle of the image suggests that a patient is lying down and about to have a procedure. The patient's view is the face of a dentist looking over them and into their mouth. The dentist is wearing a mask and holding dental tools.

What is guided surgery?

During any implant surgery, a dental implant is inserted into the bone under your gum and allows your dentist to place a replacement tooth into your mouth. 

 

During implant guided surgery, your dentist inserts the dental implant with the aid of a digitally designed surgical guide. This guide is created by applying information from a dental cone-beam tomography (CBCT) 3D scan and a digital impression of your mouth.

 

How does it differ from traditional freehand surgery?

Implant guided surgery differs from traditional freehand surgery largely due to its advanced imaging technology.

 

The digitally designed surgical guide has the potential to offer the highest level of precision and control during the procedure. The technology ensures that the implant is placed even more accurately and efficiently than with traditional freehand. Additionally, guided implant surgery is quicker than freehand.

 

Why would I need guided surgery?

Anybody who needs a dental implant will benefit from guided surgery because it allows the dentist to make a very clear assessment of the mouth. By doing so, the implants are placed precisely and exactly where expected. Also, with guided surgery, the dentist is able to identify any problems from the CBCT 3D scan and address them before the surgery is performed.

 

How is it decided that it’s the right method for my case?

Following a thorough clinical assessment and investigation, your dentist will be able to advise you on whether guided surgery is the most beneficial option. If you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant, then you are most likely suitable for guided surgery.

 

How does guided surgery work with tooth implant placement?

With the digitally manufactured guide, the dentist can place the implant. This guide is highly precise and the implant will be placed in the exact area as planned. This ensures that the procedure is safe and no vital structure within the mouth is damaged.

 

How accurate is the procedure? What’s the success rate?

As long as the digital guide is made carefully with no errors or manufacturing inaccuracies, guided implant surgery is even more accurate than freehand.

Dental implant procedures have a success rate of over 90% in patients who are in good general health and free of oral cavities. Guided implant surgery contributes greatly to this success rate due to its capacity to be incredibly precise and to reduce surgical time, which ultimately helps to reduce post-op pain and swelling.

 

Dr Olurotimi Adesanya is an expert in many aspects of dentistry, including oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, digital dentistry and dental implants. Don’t hesitate to book a consultation via Dr Adesanya's Top Doctors profile for your dental needs.

By Dr Olurotimi Adesanya MBE
Dentistry

Dr Olurotimi Adesanya MBE is a leading dentist based in Kent. Dr Adesanya has a strong interest in endodontics, aesthetic , and cosmetic dentistry, but offers a full dental practice covering general check-ups, hygiene treatment, orthodontics, bridges, crowns, veneers,implants and oral surgery. His clinic, Watling Street Dental Care, is equipped with the latest technology and is able to offer revolutionary brace systems including Invisalign and Fastbraces.

Dr Adesanya qualified in 1991 from School of dentistry University of Benin, Nigeria, and has subsequently worked in several hospitals both in the United Kingdom and abroad. Committed to continuing his professional development, he obtained a Fellowship in Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh in 2000, and in December 2009, Olurotimi obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Restorative Dental Practice from the Eastman Dental Institute, one of the world’s most renowned postgraduate institutions.

Dr Adesanya was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Health Services Leadership and Management by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) in 2011. The diploma provided Dr Adesanya the educational experience that has advance his knowledge and competence in the operational and strategic management of dental services, to ensure his dental team consistently provide a high quality of dental care.

In 2013, Dr Adesanya was awarded the Fellowship of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) of the Royal College of Surgeons in recognition of his excellence in primary dental care. He was also named in the King's 2024 New Year Honours list, receiving an MBE for services to oral health. 

In addition to his areas of expertise, Dr Adesanya is also highly experienced in the fields of children’s dentistry, dental hygiene and root canal treatments. He is committed to providing the best possible care for his patients, and ensuring they always leave his practice with their desired results.

Dr Adesanya is a member of several prestigious organisations, including the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK), the British Dental Association, and the British Orthodontics Society. He has also participated in the clinical teaching of undergraduate dental students at the Royal London Hospital since 2007. 
 

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