Guided Versus Freehand Full-Mouth Implants Surgery

At 21D, we prioritise precision and efficiency in full-mouth dental implant surgery by leveraging cutting-edge technology. Our approach eliminates guesswork, ensuring the best possible outcome for our patients. One of the key advancements we use is guided surgery, a technique that transforms the implant procedure into a meticulously planned process rather than a trial-and-error approach.

Our experts compare traditional freehand surgery to using a cup and string for communication, while guided surgery is akin to an iPhone—modern, precise, and significantly more effective. Isabella, one of our lead clinicians, explains that she would never return to freehand surgery because guided surgery allows her to plan everything in advance. By working closely with the bioengineering team before surgery, every detail—such as implant positioning and bite alignment—is fine-tuned beforehand, ensuring seamless execution on the day of the procedure.

The Role of 3D Scanning and Printing in Implant Surgery

One of the most revolutionary aspects of our implant procedures is the use of advanced 3D scanning and printing technology. Before surgery, we take a high-resolution 3D scan of the patient’s skull, converting it into a digital model that allows us to assess bone structure, identify necessary adjustments, and pre-plan implant placement with extreme accuracy.

We then use this data to 3D print an exact replica of the patient's jawbone, allowing us to simulate the surgery before even touching the patient. This means that by the time the actual procedure takes place, every aspect has been meticulously pre-planned, reducing surgery time to about an hour per jaw instead of two or more hours in a conventional procedure.

The Importance of Guided Surgery for Safety and Accuracy

Guided surgery eliminates the uncertainty often associated with implant placement. Using custom-designed surgical guides, we ensure that implants are placed with pinpoint accuracy. These guides are created based on the patient’s 3D scans and are engineered to fit only one way, preventing misplacement.

A crucial advantage of this approach is the ability to map out and avoid critical anatomical structures, such as nerves. For example, in the lower jaw, there is a vital nerve that runs through the jawbone and into the lip. With guided surgery, we can precisely position implants so that they do not interfere with this nerve, ensuring patient safety and comfort.

A Future of Precision and Patient Confidence

By integrating advanced digital planning, 3D printing, and guided surgery, 21D is transforming the field of full-mouth dental implants. These innovations not only enhance surgical accuracy but also make the experience smoother, quicker, and safer for patients.

With technology continuously evolving, our commitment remains the same—providing life-changing dental solutions with the highest level of precision and care. If you're considering full-mouth dental implants, our cutting-edge approach ensures a predictable, high-quality outcome that you can trust.