Dentistry & Oral Health

With current technology Implant Surgeons, Restorative Dentists and technicians are now able to use low dose, cone beam CT data to produce precise drilling templates to help with implantation of any brand of implants. This talk will help the listener determine the optimal implant position, taking the existing bone as well as the planned prosthetical position into account. Simplifying the treatment planning with a clear treatment strategy not only benefits the oral health of the patient but the dentist can save treatment time and prevent many of the risks that are associated with implant treatment. After this digital template is validated by the dentist via the software, the surgical stent is created by a 3D printer. Because the complete treatment plan is made digitally before the procedure, in some cases it can make sense to prepare a provisional restoration using the template beforehand. Previously, it was considered unneeded or an excessive X-ray dose to use CAD/CAM guides in immediate implant cases but with the accuracy now available, this is no longer the case as the treatment plan is predictable and the provisional are accurate. The second part of the talk will discuss the use of digital implant planning to create a provisional crown with composite contouring of a stock abutment to maintain gingival size and shape leading to the ultimate in tooth replacement aesthetics.