When it comes to placing dental implants and restoring them, precision is everything. Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning are key factors that determine the success of the procedure. That’s where advanced imaging technology, particularly CT scans, comes into play. In this post, we’ll explore how CT scan technology, in combination with stents, can revolutionize the placement of dental implants through guided implant surgery by offering more predictable and long-lasting results.
The Limitations of Traditional Radiographs
Traditionally, the most common radiograph used in dental implant placement is the panorex. While it’s widely accessible and frequently used, it has significant drawbacks. The panorex can have a distortion rate of up to 20%, meaning the images it provides may not accurately represent the structures in the mouth. This can lead to less precise implant placement, potentially affecting the outcome of the surgery.
Another common imaging option is the periapical (PA) radiograph, which provides slightly better accuracy. However, even the PA comes with a 5-10% distortion rate, which still leaves room for error.
Why CT Scans are a Game Changer
For those seeking the best possible outcomes, a CT scan machine offers far superior results. CT scans provide highly detailed, three-dimensional images of the mouth, allowing for much more accurate assessments with minimal distortion. By using CT scans, dental professionals can see vital structures, measure angles, distances, and positions of the implant site, all relative to other key structures in the jaw.
This level of precision is critical when placing implants, as it allows for accurate placement that avoids damaging vital structures like nerves or sinuses.
The Role of Stents in Guided Surgery
One of the most powerful tools that can be combined with a CT scan is the use of surgical stents. These custom-fabricated stents help guide the implant placement, ensuring that it’s done precisely according to the treatment plan.
Stents can be supported in three different ways: by teeth, by soft tissue, or even by bone. Each type has its advantages, but the common thread is that all of them allow for more predictable, accurate results during surgery. Using a CT scan and a stent not only makes the surgery more precise but also significantly increases the likelihood of success when it comes to restoring the implant.
Improved Predictability and Planning with CT Scans
Beyond the immediate placement of the implant, CT scans provide invaluable information for long-term planning. For instance, a CT scan can help determine whether the patient will need a bone graft before the implant is placed. This foresight allows for better planning, reducing surprises during surgery and leading to better results.
In the end, we want dental implants that feel and function like natural teeth. By using CT scan technology and guided surgery techniques like stents, we can achieve those results more consistently. The implants are placed with greater accuracy, minimizing the risk of complications and maximizing the chances of success.
For any dental professional aiming to deliver top-notch implant treatments, the combination of CT scan technology and surgical stents is invaluable. It allows for better diagnosis, more accurate placement, and overall more predictable outcomes. Patients, in turn, benefit from implants that feel, look, and function like natural teeth for years to come.