Digitally Guided Dental Implantology – Virtual Implant Planning

How does digitally guided dental implantology work?

Digitally guided implantology follows a process with several stages, each using current technology to plan and guide implant placement. These are the main steps of a guided implant procedure:

1. Initial assessment and advanced imaging

Examining the patient: At the start of treatment, the specialist in dental surgery and implantology carries out a detailed assessment of the mouth, looking at the bone structure and the health of the gums and soft tissues.

3D dental scan (CBCT): A dental computed tomography scan is taken, which gives a three-dimensional picture of the facial and dental structures. This is essential for assessing the quality and quantity of bone available for implants. The CBCT also reveals possible risks, such as nerves or the maxillary sinuses, which need to be avoided during implant placement.

2. Virtual planning of the implants

Digital planning software: The data from the 3D scan is imported into specialised software such as Navident, which lets the specialist plan implant placement exactly. The position, angle, depth and orientation of the implants can be simulated virtually, according to the patient’s bone structure.

A plan built around the individual case: Using this information, a personalised treatment plan is created, taking into account the size and location of the implants as well as the patient’s own needs. This is a major advantage, because every case is treated individually.

3. Making the surgical guide

The surgical guide is a custom device produced from the digital plan. It is usually 3D printed and is used to guide the surgeon during implant placement.

The guide sits on the dental arch and has openings that show exactly where and at what angle the implant should be placed. This means the implant goes in with millimetre accuracy, which keeps risks to a minimum.

One exception: the Navident technology for digital implant navigation works without a physical surgical guide.

4. The surgical procedure

Placement with a physical surgical guide produced digitally

During the procedure, the dentist follows the agreed plan and uses the surgical guide to place the implants with great accuracy. The intervention is generally less invasive, with a smaller incision and less post-operative pain than traditional implant placement, which involves incisions and raising a flap.

Thanks to the surgical guide, the time needed to place the implants is shorter and the risks are considerably lower.

Digitally navigated placement with Navident

With Navident there is no physical guide. During the implant placement procedure, the specialist uses a tracking device, similar to a sensor, to project and follow the exact spot where the implant should go, taking into account the intended position, angle and depth.

5. Healing and integration of the implants into the bone

Once the dental implant is in place, osseointegration begins: the patient’s bone heals and grows around the implant, giving it stability. The process takes a few months, depending on several factors.

If the patient’s bone allows it, the implants can be loaded within 24 hours with temporary crowns or fixed bridges, so the patient has a smile throughout treatment.

After the implant has fully integrated into the jawbone comes the final stage, when the definitive crown or bridge is fitted and treatment is complete.

The cost of digitally guided implantology

Choosing between digitally navigated implants and implants placed with a digitally produced surgical guide depends on several factors: how complex the case is, the patient’s budget and the specialist’s preference.

Digital navigation suits more complicated cases where maximum accuracy matters, while a digital surgical guide can be an efficient and affordable option for simpler cases.

At our clinic, patients can choose either a manual surgical guide or digital implant navigation with Navident, at accessible prices.

Navident navigation starts from 800 RON for one implant and goes up to 4800 RON for 7 to 12 implants.

You are welcome to find out more about dental implants and All-on-4 and All-on-6 fixed bridges with immediate loading at our clinic in Bucharest.