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What is a digital implant?

From Setare Sharq Authors Team / Khordad 20, 1404

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This article has been reviewed and approved by a medical professional.

Dr. Shima Borji Implant Specialist

In today's world, the more attractive a technology seems, the more it becomes a headline. The digital implant is also of the same type; A concept that is sometimes more than scientifically introduced, shines in an exaggerated form in clinic brochures and billboards. But what exactly is this technology? Is it just a fancy name to attract the attention of patients or is it really a meaningful difference from the old methods?

In this article, we will examine from the most basic steps of digital implant implantation to costs, advantages, disadvantages and most importantly, its difference from common advertisements. If you are thinking of modern treatment to replace missing teeth or you just want to know detailed information about digital implant, then this article will be useful for you.

What is digital implant and how is it different from the traditional method?

Digital implant is a method in which imaging technologies, 3D design and precise tools are used for tooth implantation. Unlike the traditional methods where diagnosis, surgery and molding steps are done manually and experimentally, in this method each step is guided by software, scan and surgical guide. The result of this work is increased accuracy, reduced human error and better prediction of the treatment result.

In the traditional method, the surgeon decides in which part of the jaw to place the implant based on experience, gum shape and 2D photos. On the other hand, in the digital method, the exact location, angle and depth of the implant are determined with millimeter accuracy before surgery. Even the final dental cover is made by the laboratory with digital scanning and without the need for traditional molding.

Are digital implants Is it just hype or reality?

At first glance, many digital implant advertisements seem like dreamy promises; Painless surgery, one-day implant, without stitches and with high precision. But do these images really match what is done in practice?

The fact is that digital technology exists in implants and it is scientific; But everything depends on how it is implemented. Parts like getting a CBCT, getting a DYCOM file and even an intraoral scan are just pieces of this puzzle. If these steps are done alone, the treatment should not be called "digital". The full implementation of digital implant means:

3D and accurate imaging with CBCT
Designing the position of the tooth and implant by software
Making a surgical guide and using it in the operating room
And finally making the final veneer with the help of digital scanning

However, many centers perform only one of these steps and call the treatment "digital". In some clinics, even without a guide and only using the CBCT image, the implant is implanted in the traditional way; But in advertisements, it is introduced as a digital implant.

Digital

Unlike traditional methods where decisions and execution are made simultaneously on the day of surgery, in the digital method everything is planned in advance. In the following, we examine the main steps of this process step by step:

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Take CBCT images of the patient's mouth and jaw

In the first step, a 3D image is prepared from the patient's jaw using a CBCT (cone ray imaging) device. This image not only shows bone density; It also determines the position of nerves, sinuses and the empty space for the implant. This information is the most basic step to start the digital treatment plan.

Receive the three-dimensional DICOM file (DICOM)

In addition to printing the photo, the imaging center provides the digital file in DICOM format to the patient. This file contains structural details of the jaw bone and surrounding tissues and is used for digital analysis. Without this file, the next steps are practically not possible.

Sending the DYCOM file to dental digital design companies

This DYCOM file is sent to specialized companies that are active in the field of digital implant design. Companies that cooperate with reputable clinics such as Setare Shargh, upon receiving this file, begin digital bone analysis and provide the necessary foundations for the treatment plan.

Virtual teeth design and precise positioning of implants

Using design software, missing teeth are placed in their place virtually. Then, according to the anatomy of the jaw, the best place to place the implant is determined; So that in the end, the tooth cover is placed exactly in the right place, with beauty and natural function.

Making a surgical guide (3D guide) with a 3D printer

Based on the final design, a surgical guide is designed. This plastic tool is made with a 3D printer and is placed exactly on the patient's gums or remaining teeth. The guide helps the surgeon to make the exact angle, depth and location of the drill without deviation and error.

Choosing the right surgical guide kit for surgery with a guide

In order for the drills to match the surgical guide, special kits such as Y-T Guide or MegaGen should be used. These kits are designed to be perfectly compatible with the 3D guide. Using conventional drills at this stage can lead to deviation or failure of the treatment.

Placing the guide in the patient's mouth and performing surgery with digital guidance

On the day of the surgery, the 3D guide is placed in the patient's mouth. If the bone density and the condition of the gums are suitable, the surgery is performed without the need to cut the gums (flapless). In this case, only precise holes are made on the gum and the implant enters the bone with the least damage.

Working the implant in the designated place with high precision

Finally, the implant is placed exactly in the same place specified in the design, with the same angle and depth. If all the steps are done correctly, the final result will be very close to the digital design and the risk of common mistakes in the traditional method will be minimized.

Digital implant complications

Digital implant can have millimeter errors if it is not executed accurately. In narrow bones, this small deviation causes treatment failure. In Iranian patients, who usually have lower bone density, it is not possible to use the guide without opening the gums in most cases. Also, if the guide design or the selection of the surgical kit is not done correctly, the risk of damage to the tissues or incorrect placement of the implant increases. This method requires proper bone conditions, special equipment and an experienced surgeon.

Digital

The cost of digital implant is usually higher than the traditional method; Because in this method, more steps are performed, including 3D imaging, digital design, making a surgical guide, and using special equipment. In addition to the implant cost, the patient should also consider the cost of the DICOM file, 3D design and guide printing.

Also, the type of surgical kit, implant brand and surgeon experience can affect the digital implant cost. If there is a need for dental bone grafting for implants, gum reconstruction or prerequisite work, the digital implant price will be higher; Therefore, before starting the treatment, it is necessary to receive a detailed consultation so that the patient is familiar with the full details of the costs.

The difference between digital and immediate implants

Many patients mistakenly consider the words "digital" and "immediate" equivalent to each other, while these two methods have fundamental differences. Immediate implant is a method in which the implant is placed in the bone immediately after tooth extraction, in the same session. The speed of treatment in this method is high; But it requires special conditions in the bone and gum tissue.

On the other hand, digital implant refers to a type of treatment in which all the steps from imaging to surgery and molding are done using digital technologies. The focus of this method is on high precision and more control over the final results, not necessarily speed or one-day treatment.

The difference between digital and conventional implants

Digital implants and conventional implants are both performed with the aim of replacing a lost tooth; But the path to reach this goal is different. In the conventional method, the surgeon makes decisions based on experience, 2D photographs, and direct assessment during surgery. On the contrary, the digital method pre-plans everything, from the exact location of the implant to its angle and depth. But in the digital method, this is done by intraoral scanning and without direct contact. Also, in the digital implant, the surgical guide is used to guide the drill precisely; Something that is not there in the traditional method.

Digital

In this section, we point out the real advantages of digital implant:

High accuracy in determining the location and angle of the implant
Precise design of virtual teeth that fits bone anatomy
Using a surgical guide to reduce human error
The possibility of flapless surgery in special cases with suitable bone
Reducing the risk of damage to vital structures in Jaw
Increasing the doctor's control over the final result before surgery
Suitable for multi-implant and full jaw treatments
Can be used in specialized training and academic treatment plan

Disadvantages of digital implant

Although digital implant is highly accurate; But in practice, it also has limitations that should be considered before choosing a treatment method:

Complete dependence on specialized equipment and design software
Need for special surgical kits to coordinate with the guide
Increasing the cost of treatment due to the design and manufacture of the guide
Possibility of millimeter error in the design or printing of the guide and creating clinical risk
Limited use in patients with insufficient bone. or disintegrated
need for high experience in the accurate implementation of the digital plan by the surgeon
time-consuming pre-surgical preparation steps
inapplicable to many common patients visiting clinics

Lifespan Digital

The longevity of this type of implant directly depends on the accurate implementation of the treatment plan, bone quality, post-treatment care and oral hygiene. Contrary to what some patients think, the digital nature of this method alone does not increase life expectancy; Rather, its high precision reduces the possibility of implant failure.

If the surgery is performed according to the digital plan and the patient tries to maintain the health of the gums and bones, we can expect long-term durability. In fact, the digital implant, if completely successful, has the same durability as expected from conventional implants; It means between 10 and 15 years or even more. But if the precise surgical guide is not implemented or the condition of the jaw is not suitable, the lifespan of the implant can be reduced.

Who are the right people for the digital dental implant?

Before choosing this method, it should be seen whether the patient's physiological conditions and lifestyle are compatible with the requirements of the digital implant or not. This method is suitable for the following people:

People who have healthy gums and no oral infections.
Those who have enough bone density to hold the implant.
Patients who maintain good oral hygiene and adhere to periodic examinations.
People who have uncontrolled underlying diseases such as diabetes or immune disorders. They are not.
Those who have a realistic view of the treatment process and its results.

How long does a digital dental implant take?

The duration of a digital implant is different for each patient; But in general, this process includes the following steps:

The first session of consultation and initial assessment: oral examination, review of scans and discussion about the treatment plan; This step takes less than an hour.
Digital planning using CAD/CAM: precise design of the implant site and construction of the surgical guide; It may take a few days to a week.
Surgery and implant placement: Depending on the complexity, it usually takes between one and two hours. If needed, a bone graft or sinus lift is also performed.
The period of restoration and bone grafting with the implant (ossintegration): This period may take between three to six months for the jaw bone to fuse with the base of the implant.
The final stage of abutment and veneer installation: when the bone is well restored, the abutment and the final crown are placed on the implant. This stage takes a few weeks to a few months depending on the condition of the mouth and jaw.

In total, the whole process may take 4 to 12 months or more. This timeframe includes all steps from the initial assessment to the installation of the final coating.

Doing digital implants in the East Tehran

Among the dental centers in East Tehran, Setareh Sharq Clinic is one of the few centers that perform digital implants completely; From 3D design and surgical guide to precise implant operation. These services are provided to patients with the possibility of installment dentistry.

A conscious decision for a lasting smile

Digital implant is not just an advanced name; It is a method that, if performed correctly, can significantly increase the accuracy, beauty and reliability of the treatment; But in order to achieve the best results, it is very important to choose an equipped clinic and an experienced team.

If you are looking for accurate, scientific and reliable treatment, we at East Tehran Implant Center are ready to be with you on this path. Just enter your contact information in the form on the top of the page or call 021-77555220 for a free expert consultation to check your conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does digital implant have pain?

Due to the use of surgical guides and minimally invasive methods, digital implants usually have less pain than the traditional method.

2. How long does a digital implant take?

The total duration of treatment varies between 4 and 12 months and includes consultation, digital design, surgery, bone repair and installation of the final veneer. This interval depends on the conditions of each patient.

3. What are the cares after a digital implant?

Among the cares after an implant, one can mention oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, taking prescribed medicines regularly and visiting the dentist regularly to check the restoration status.

4. What is the best age for a digital dental implant?

After the jaw has finished growing (about 18 years old), digital implants can be done at almost any age, provided that the condition of the jaw bone and the general health of the body are suitable.

Last updated on 8 Aban 1404 by East Star Writers Team

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