What are stackable surgical guides?
Stackable surgical guides are a new type of surgical guide that is becoming increasingly popular in implant dentistry. They are designed to be stacked on top of each other, which allows for greater accuracy and precision during implant placement.
Stackable surgical guides are typically made of a clear plastic material and are designed to fit over the patient’s gums. They have holes drilled into them that correspond to the desired location of the implants. During surgery, the surgeon drills through the holes in the guide to place the implants.
What are the benefits of using stackable surgical guides?
There are a number of benefits to using stackable surgical guides, including:
- Increased accuracy and precision: Stackable surgical guides provide greater accuracy and precision during implant placement than traditional surgical guides. This is because the guides are stacked on top of each other, which helps to ensure that the implants are placed in the correct position and orientation.
- Reduced surgical time: Stackable surgical guides can help to reduce surgical time by eliminating the need to remove and reposition the guide during surgery.
- Improved patient outcomes: Stackable surgical guides can help to improve patient outcomes by reducing the risk of complications, such as nerve damage and perforation of the sinus membrane.
When should stackable surgical guides be used?
Stackable surgical guides can be used for a variety of implant procedures, including:
- Single implant placement: Stackable surgical guides can be used to place single implants with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
- Multiple implant placement: Stackable surgical guides can also be used to place multiple implants simultaneously. This can be helpful for patients who need to have a full arch of implants placed.
- Complex implant cases: Stackable surgical guides can be used for complex implant cases, such as cases where the patient has limited bone volume or has undergone previous dental surgery.
How do stackable surgical guides work?
The first step in using stackable surgical guides is to create a digital 3D model of the patient’s mouth. This model is used to create a virtual plan for the implant placement. The virtual plan is then used to create a series of stackable surgical guides.
On the day of surgery, the surgeon will place the first stackable surgical guide over the patient’s gums. The surgeon will then drill through the holes in the guide to place the implants. Once the first set of implants has been placed, the surgeon will remove the first guide and place the second guide. This process will be repeated until all of the implants have been placed.
What are the different types of stackable surgical guides?
There are a number of different types of stackable surgical guides available. Some of the most common types include:
- Traditional stackable surgical guides: Traditional stackable surgical guides are made of a clear plastic material and are designed to fit over the patient’s gums. They have holes drilled into them that correspond to the desired location of the implants.
- Guided surgery stents: Guided surgery stents are a type of stackable surgical guide that is made of a more durable material, such as titanium. Guided surgery stents are typically used for more complex implant cases.
- Dynamic navigation systems: Dynamic navigation systems are a newer type of stackable surgical guide that uses real-time tracking technology to guide the surgeon during implant placement.
Conclusion
Stackable surgical guides are a new type of surgical guide that is becoming increasingly popular in implant dentistry. They offer a number of benefits over traditional surgical guides, including increased accuracy and precision, reduced surgical time, and improved patient outcomes.
If you are considering having dental implants placed, be sure to talk to your dentist about the benefits of using stackable surgical guides.