3-D GUIDED IMPLANT PLACEMENT:

 Implant (green) perforating bone ...Transparent bone modeling...Adjusted

Computer guided implant placement has the advantage of being able to model the implant surgery utilizing a combination of 3-D imaging from CT scans and computer software to perform or model a virtual surgery before the patient comes in for treatment. Dr. Abe uses CT scans because they are the most accurate 3-D modeling image available now. A surgical guide is made which shows the ideal position of implant placement from a restorative view (the ideal placement to make a crown or bridge). The surgical guide is then worn when the CT scan is done. This allows Dr. Abe to see what the position of the implant placement is ideal from your dentist's perspective. The data from the CT scan is then reformated into a 3-D model on the computer which can be rotated and manipulated to evaluate the bone support in the area to support implant placement. He also can manipulate the 3-D image to see vital structures within the bone and make measurements to insure he can avoid them at surgery.

Transparent modeling 

 Implants in bone....           Nerve (red) in bone...       Implants avoiding nerve

Once the ideal position, angle, and depth of the implant is modeled on the computer, the data is transferred to the precision surgical guide. A milling machine is used to make any adjustments required to the surgical drilling guide. The surgical drilling guide is then placed in the mouth and used to guide drilling and implant place the implant in the mouth. This assures that the implant is placed clinically where is was planned virtually on the computer. Since there is no guessing on position, angle or depth in implant placement, the gums do not have to be opened up to "see the bone" so no gum flaps are opened and no sutures needed. Implants are placed "Flaplessly." The abutment can be placed after the implant has healed into the bone (2-4 mos.) One surgery implants are used so another surgery to open the gums to "expose the" implant is not needed. There is no need to wait for the healing of the second surgery (less one month). You are sent to your general dentist for crown placement.

 Dr. Abe has been modeling implant placement with the CT scans and transferring the data to precision surgical drill guides on virtually all implants placed since 1993. This was before computer modeling was available. He was making the measurements and adjusting the surgical drill guides by hand. He has probably placed more implants utilizing this technology than anyone in the country. These surgical drill guides assure accurate implant placement in location, angle and depth. These extra procedures insure your implants are placed in the the most accurate, safest and least traumatic way possible. Later on software became available.  Dr. Abe has been using computer 3-D modeling to create precision surgical drill guides for accurate implant placement on virtually every implant placed since at least 2004. He is one of the most experienced surgeons in using this technology in the nation. This provides you with the maximum in precision and safety. There are many vital structures that are present within the bone and under the gums that cannot be seen in three dimensions with normal or panoramic x-rays. These structures can be damaged if inadvertently hit by an implant. The best way to assure that an implant does not impinge on those structures, is to plan and perform implant placement  utilizing 3-D computed modeling and performing virtual implant surgery, prior to your visit. The surgical drill guide is then adjusted utilizing the modeling from the computer guided virtual surgery to accurately guide implant placement in the mouth. This gives you the advantage of knowing that you enjoy maximum precision and thus maximum safety in implant placement. Some surgeons may use a computer to plan implant placement but still place the implant without a precision drill guide or an inaccurate one. It was once said that "No matter how brilliant the plan, it is useless if not carried out correctly." The precision surgical drill guide assures that the plan is carried out accurately. This assures that your implant is placed in the most ideal position possible in your mouth.

There is also an added bonus...  The computer designed surgical drill guide assures precise positioning of implant placement in the three dimensions of location, angulation and depth. Because of the confidence and security of knowing the implants can be placed safely and accurately, "flapless implant placement surgery" can be utilized. The gums do not have to be flapped open to place the implant. Only a small 3-5 mm access hole, smaller than a paper punch hole, is needed . . . no stitches! This results in less trauma, faster healing, and virtually no bleeding or swelling. This allows Dr. Abe to  provide you with a more comfortable dental experience. You can plan to return to work or go about normal daily activity the next day. Normally no pain pills are needed. Most patients use an asprin type anti-inflammatory or nothing at all.