Guided Implant SurgeryPrecision Placement with CBCT + Digital Planning
- Guided surgery uses 3D CBCT imaging and digital planning to fabricate a surgical guide - ensuring implants are placed in exactly the optimal position determined pre-operatively.
At Stunning Dentistry, guided surgery is used in complex cases, full-arch protocols, and cases with limited anatomical margin.
How Guided Surgery Works
- Step 1: 3D CBCT scan is acquired showing complete bone anatomy, nerve locations, sinus anatomy, and adjacent structures
- Step 2: Implant positions are planned digitally in specialized 3D planning software (Implant Studio, SimPlant, coDiagnostiX)
- Step 3: Surgical guide is fabricated via 3D printing - a custom template that precisely transfers planned implant positions to the surgical field
- Step 4: During surgery, implants are placed through guide sleeves in the template - ensuring placement matches planned angulation and depth to within 0.5–1.0mm accuracy
- Step 5: Guide is removed post-placement, providing the surgeon with precisely positioned implants for optimal prosthetic design
Questions about this procedure?
Benefits of Guided Surgery
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Implant positioning accuracy | ±0.5–1.0mm from plan vs ±2–3mm free-hand |
| Nerve/sinus proximity safety | Reduced risk of vital structure damage |
| Surgical time reduction | 20–40% shorter operating time |
| Flapless surgery option | Faster healing, less post-op discomfort |
| Prosthetic emergence | More predictable, better aesthetic outcomes |
| Revision risk | Fewer repositioning needs post-op |
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When Guided Surgery Is Essential
- Full-arch All-on-4/All-on-6 cases: ensures implants are positioned for optimal prosthetic design and bite mechanics
- Zygomatic and pterygoid implants: complex anatomy demands precision to avoid vital structure damage
- Limited bone margin cases: when patient anatomy leaves narrow safe zones for implant placement
- Immediate loading cases: precision placement is critical for primary stability required for same-day loading
- Revision/failed implant cases: previous implant positions must be carefully avoided
Curious about costs and timelines?
At Stunning Dentistry
Guided surgery is used routinely for: full-arch All-on-4/All-on-6 cases, zygomatic and pterygoid implants, cases with limited bone margin, and cases requiring immediate loading precision.
Guides are sterilized and validated before surgery - quality control ensures accurate transfer of planned positions.
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Specialist-only treatment planning
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
No waiting list for eligible cases
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
Trip coordinated with care timeline
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
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Why Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Is guided surgery more expensive?
Yes - guided surgery adds NZD $800–$1,500 per arch for 3D planning and guide fabrication. However, this is often included in comprehensive full-arch pricing at Stunning Dentistry. For complex cases (zygomatic, multiple implants), the cost is justified by improved outcomes.
Does guided surgery take longer?
No - actually, guided surgery often reduces operating time by 20–40%. This is because implants are placed faster and more accurately with the guide. Total time savings can offset any pre-operative planning time.
Can guided surgery be used for single implants?
Yes, but cost-benefit may not justify it for single posterior teeth in straightforward cases. Guided surgery is most cost-effective for full-arch cases or complex anatomy. Your surgeon advises on case-by-case basis.
What if I move and need future implant work - do I keep my surgical guide?
Your original surgical guide is case-specific and retained by Stunning Dentistry for your records. If you need future implant work, a new CBCT and new guide would be fabricated - updated to your current anatomy and any changes since original treatment.
See your new smile instantly!
This tool will help you understand potential structural and aesthetic changes before finalizing treatment decisions.
