Informational Article

​Technological Advances in Dental Implants

Dental Implants are currently the best option for replacing missing teeth. They are usually made of medical-grade titanium or ceramic and are placed into the jawbone to replace the roots of the missing teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed into the bone in a sterile manner to ensure biocompatibility. Following placement, the implant will heal for 8-12 weeks until osseointegration (implant fuses to the bone). Once osseointegrated, the implant can be restored with a natural-looking dental crown. Implants have a long track record of success, but they are not without complications. Accurate, three-dimensional placement of the implant is critical to its long-term success. If the implant is not placed in the correct position, adjacent teeth can be affected, and the implant may be lost prematurely.

The Importance of Presurgical Planning

Cone Beam CT scans are crucial for precise implant planning and placement. These scans allow Dr. Walker to evaluate the anatomy of the implant site to ensure there is enough bone for proper implant placement in three dimensions and avoid damaging the nerves, sinuses, and adjacent teeth.

​Dr. Walker will also take a digital impression of your mouth to properly plan the final restoration in relation to your
existing teeth and to ensure the implant is placed correctly.

Digital Implant Placement

Following the CBCT and digital impression, Dr. Walker will use sophisticated software to place the implant in the appropriate position digitally. By performing the surgery digitally, Dr. Walker can place the implant in the proper three dimensional position to ensure the final crown will look and feel natural. This also ensures that the implant will not be placed outside the bone, into nerves, sinuses, or other anatomical areas.

Dynamic 3D Guided Surgery

Following digital planning, Dr. Walker will import his digital surgery to the X-Guide® Dynamic 3D Navigation system.

The X-Guide system is like GPS for the surgeon’s drill. During your procedure, Dr. Walker has a 3D view of your anatomy including jawbone, soft tissue, surrounding teeth, as well as the digital treatment plan to follow. The X-Guide system uses a sophisticated digital tracking system to continuously monitor the location of the instruments in relation to the patient’s jaw to provide turn-by-turn guidance during surgery, giving Dr. Walker the ability to visualize precise movements of the drill during surgery for more exact implant placement. This technology allows Dr. Walker to offer his patients minimally invasive treatment options, which means fewer incisions and less pain, as well as shorter healing time for patients. 

Dr. Walker’s practice strives to provide every individual with the highest quality of care, utilizing the most advanced scientific technologies and treatment protocols in order to achieve the results you deserve. 

​Walker Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is now accepting new patients. Find out more or schedule an appointment at www.WalkerPerio.com