New techniques

Dental implant therapy has advanced remarkably in the last decade with new innovations on both surgical and prosthetic fronts. New techniques, materials, and modalities have been developed, but the most important development has been the refinement and utilization of digital technology in treatment.

Although techniques such as computer guided surgery, immediate implant placement, and immediate loading have been tested and advocated, nothing has been as universal in aiding the progression of the field of oral implantology as digital technology. Classically, much time and effort were needed to plan implant cases properly, with the use of stone models and diagnostic wax-ups. However, with the use of digital technology and workflow, it is now possible to digitally plan both surgical and prosthetic modalities, to begin with the end in mind, and provide implant therapy in a more safe, efficient, and accurate manner. The digital workflow is begun by digitizing the patient prior to any therapy. Classically, cone-beam technology was utilized to evaluate implant patients and was thought of as the best method for analyzing cases prior to treatment. However, in today’s dental implant therapy, the use of cone-beam technology to plan implant surgery is no longer enough. The CBCT scan technology must be united with digital impression technology to not only assess the surgical anatomy, but also to relate this information to the pre-planned contours of the final restoration. The fusion of these two technologies allows for the clinician to accurately plan the dental implant location as well as the position and contours of the final restoration prior to any surgical therapy. Additionally, the detailed design of the final abutment and restoration is selected prior to surgical placement of the implant, and thus directly influences the exact placement of the dental implant.