Guided Implant Surgery
Guided Implant Surgery
Guided implant surgery uses a three-dimensional map of your jaw, teeth, and nerve pathways to plan implant placement before any drilling begins. At 1st Family Dental in Chicago, this approach lets our team review your anatomy in detail ahead of time and carry that plan directly into the mouth on the day of surgery.
What guided Implant Surgery is
Traditional implant placement often relied on flat, two-dimensional x-rays and the clinician's judgment during surgery to avoid nerves, sinuses, and areas of thin bone. Guided implant surgery instead starts with a 3D scan of your jaw, which is used to plan the exact position, angle, and depth of each implant before the appointment even begins.
That digital plan can then be used to create a surgical guide — a custom template that fits over the teeth or gums and directs the placement of the implant during surgery, so the plan made on the screen matches what happens in the mouth. This reduces the amount of guesswork involved compared with a fully freehand approach.
How we use it at 1st Family Dental
Implant planning at our offices draws on 3D Cone Beam CT Imaging, which captures teeth, soft tissue, nerve paths, and bone density in a single scan, along with iTero Element digital scanning of the teeth and gums. Together, these give a detailed picture of the jaw that is used to plan implant position before surgery.
Several members of our team have training specific to implant and guided implant work. Dr. Ghassan Abboud, our founder and a prosthodontist, completed specialty training in prosthodontics and implants and is regularly consulted by implant technology companies. Dr. Najeeb Abufarha has advanced training that includes implant placement, guided surgery, bone grafting, and digital treatment planning. Dr. John Hur, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, trained in complex dental implant surgery using CT-guided skeletal mapping and surgical protocols. Dr. Irbad Chowdhury, an implantologist, completed a dental implant fellowship focused specifically on implant dentistry.
This kind of planning is typically used alongside related services such as bone grafting, sinus lifts, All-on-4 implants, and implant-supported dentures, since each of these benefits from an accurate map of available bone before treatment begins.
What it means for you
For patients, planning implant position on a 3D scan before surgery is intended to make the process more predictable. Reviewing bone density and nerve position ahead of time can help identify anatomy that needs attention, such as areas that may need bone grafting, before the day of surgery rather than during it.
A guide built from that plan can also make the surgical visit itself more efficient, since much of the decision-making has already happened during planning. For patients who are anxious about surgery, having a clear picture and plan in advance, discussed with the dentist beforehand, can also make the process easier to understand.
What to expect during your visit
The process usually starts with an exam and a 3D Cone Beam CT scan, sometimes paired with an iTero digital scan of the teeth and gums. Your dentist reviews these images with you, discusses the planned implant positions, and answers questions about the proposed treatment, which may include bone grafting or a sinus lift depending on your anatomy.
On the day of placement, the area is numbed with local anesthetic; patients who prefer additional comfort can ask about Nitrous Oxide Sedation for shorter procedures or IV Sedation for more involved surgery. A guide based on your scan helps direct placement of the implant. Afterward, a digital x-ray may be taken to confirm positioning, and your dentist will go over healing and follow-up care before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
Is guided implant surgery safe?
Guided implant surgery is a widely used approach in modern implant dentistry, built on standard 3D imaging technology. Planning implant position in advance is intended to give the treating clinician more information about nerves, sinuses, and bone before surgery begins.
Will I feel anything during the procedure?
The area being treated is numbed with local anesthetic before placement. Patients who would like additional comfort can ask their dentist about Nitrous Oxide Sedation or IV Sedation, both of which are available on site for appropriate procedures.
How long does the process take?
Planning typically involves a scan and a review appointment before the surgical visit itself. The length of the placement appointment depends on the number of implants and whether additional procedures, such as bone grafting, are needed, and your dentist can walk you through a timeline specific to your plan.
Who is guided implant surgery suitable for?
Guided implant surgery is generally considered for patients who are candidates for dental implants, including those replacing a single tooth or planning full-arch options such as All-on-4 or implant-supported dentures. A dentist can review your scan and health history to discuss whether this approach fits your situation.
If you are considering dental implants, reach out to 1st Family Dental to schedule a consultation and ask whether guided implant surgery is right for you.