Toothlessness, or edentulism, is the condition of having no teeth. This can be because of various reasons such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, trauma, and oral cancer, but the social stigma it brings to the individual can sometimes be more damaging than the reason itself.
This is where Navigation Implantology takes the centre stage. It is a completely painless and sutureless technique that uses advanced imaging, virtual design and surgical guides to enhance the accuracy and precision of this dental implant procedure. Let me simplify it further in the following steps:
CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan
It takes a scan of the complete dental arch with a standard CBCT scanner. It is a special type of x-ray machine used to create a 3D virtual model of the patient’s jaw. It rotates around the patient’s head, capturing data using a cone-shaped X-ray beam. The next step is to analyse those images in the NobelClinician software that helps us design the virtual prosthetic options prior to the surgical procedure. Patients can then decide their cosmetic and functional treatment outcome options on a digital screen before making any further investments.
Treatment planning
Once the patient has decided on the treatment outcome, we make a software guided surgical plan with the help of NobelClinician SmartFusion™ technology. We can communicate this treatment plan with the global experts with a single click. This virtual surgical approach makes it possible to achieve the functional and esthetic outcome we have planned and avoid unwanted surprises. This approved plan is then transferred to the navigation system.
Navigation implant surgery
Now we can perform the navigation surgery without raising the flaps. It is a completely painless and sutureless procedure where patients can go back to their routines immediately after the surgery. This procedure minimises the antibiotic and painkiller dosage drastically.
Prosthetic design
We use CAD/CAM Prosthetics to get optimal individualised results. It helps us achieve maximum design flexibility and save time with easy-to-use CAD tools. Our lab then integrates directly with NobelProcera’s sophisticated central production facilities.
Production of prosthetics
We achieve consistent results with the use of best quality material and state of the art manufacturing processes for maximum predictability in quality and precision fit.
Restoration placement
We provide optimal esthetics, function and the best possible restoration from a comprehensive range of prosthetic solutions. We give our patients a natural looking restoration that is designed to last a lifetime.
Conclusion
With modern digital dentistry and state of the art tools we can save precious time and resources, and at the same time provide the best possible results for the benefit of patients.
Every smile is different, yet every smile increases the face value. So, Smile!
Dr. P. Senthil Kumar,
MDS, Prof. in Maxillofacial Surgery,
Maeoris Dental , Dindigul & Madurai