If you’ve been considering getting dental implants, you may have heard there are two main types of surgery: freehand and computer guided. But what does this mean, and how do these options affect your treatment? Here are some important differences between the two procedures, and what you can expect from your results.
Freehand Dental Implant Surgery
Freehand surgery is performed with the same degree of skill and care as computer guided surgery, however there are a few key differences. Freehand means your dentist will place the implant based on data collected from digital X-rays. They may also use your other teeth as a guide, and possibly diagnostic wax-ups or study casts.
Many people choose freehand because it often costs less than computer guided surgery, because less measurements will be taken. This also requires the patient to attend fewer preparatory appointments at the dentist’s office to collect data for the procedure, saving them time.
Computer Guided Dental Implant Surgery
Computer guided dental implant surgery is far more accurate than freehand, because many more measurements will be taken to ensure proper placement prior to your surgery. Your dentist will use technology such as cone beam scans to get an accurate model of your oral anatomy and jaw. This data will provide exact coordinates for where your dental implant will be placed and even formulate a surgical guide that precisely dictates the exact depth and angulation of the implant. It can even tell your dentist how much cutting or bone removal will be needed during the procedure. This provides an unprecedented level of accuracy and higher success rates than freehand surgery.
Computer guided surgery can be more expensive than freehand surgery, however most patients agree that the added level of accuracy makes it well worth the investment.
Remember, while both freehand and computer guided dental implant surgery are extremely safe and accurate options, each treatment can vary in cost. However, for the most accurate results, computer guided procedures provide an extra layer of confidence for the dentist and patient throughout the entire treatment process.
About Dr. Newman
Dr. Ira Newman has been practicing dentistry for decades, sharing his expertise with patients and appearing in the media (including CNN, NY 1 News, the Today Show, and CBS News) to discuss modern dental technologies. Dr. Newman is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Academy of Laser Dentistry.
A former clinical instructor in the Department of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry, Dr. Newman is an attending dentist at Northwell Hospital/Manhasset, where he is the chief of laser dentistry and the co-director of the TMJ/Facial Pain clinic. He has also trained at the prestigious Dawson Center for Advanced Dentistry and the Spear Center for Clinical Excellence.
To schedule a consultation for dental implants with Dr. Newman, please contact Gramercy Dental Studio by visiting our website or calling us today at 212-924-6890
