Dental Implant: What It Is and How It Works

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth root that supports crowns, bridges, or dentures2. Treatment typically involves three or four stages, including potential bone grafts and restorative work2.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that replaces a missing tooth and supports a crown, bridge, or denture2. The treatment involves several stages and can use advanced surgical guidance systems to enhance precision during placement1.

What Dental Implants Are

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth root2. These implants function to support false teeth, including crowns, bridges, or dentures2.

Stages of Implant Treatment

Dental implant treatment is usually carried out in three or four stages2. These stages may include bone grafts performed before the implants are placed and restorative treatment to fit crowns, bridges, or dentures2. Each stage might require several visits to the dentist2. The specific stages may vary depending on the individual case2.

Static Surgical Guides

Static surgical guides are used for flapless placement, but they are characterized by being inflexible once they have been fabricated1.

Dynamic Navigation and AI Systems

Dynamic navigation systems provide haptic feedback and real-time 3D guidance, which offers the freedom to make adjustments intra-operatively1. AI improves the digital implant workflow through automated measurements of bone height, bone width, emergence profiles, and soft-tissue biotype1. Furthermore, AI is utilized for automated landmark detection and maxillomandibular registration1. These technologies combined help transform diagnostics, planning, and the surgical process1. AI can also be used for 2D and 3D segmentation to automatically detect the implant, tooth, nerve, and airway on panoramic, periapical, and CBCT scans1.

Robotic Surgery Systems

Robotic assistance systems are used to improve accuracy, although this technology is in early adoption and some cases have shown deviations of up to 4 mm1.

Frequently asked questions

What do dental implants replace?

They are artificial replacements for tooth roots2.

How many stages does dental implant treatment typically have?

Treatment is usually performed in three or four stages2.

What is the difference between static guides and dynamic navigation?

Static guides are inflexible once fabricated, whereas dynamic navigation provides real-time 3D guidance and allows for intra-operative adjustments1.

How do AI systems help during implant surgery?

AI systems provide automated landmark detection and automated measurements of bone height, bone width, and soft-tissue biotype1.

Like any medical procedure, it carries risks; talk it over with a doctor.

Sources

  1. EAO — EAO
  2. NHS — NHS

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