Balraj Sekhon discusses the benefits of guided surgery to deliver predictable treatment outcomes
Although implant dentistry has evolved into one of the most predictable treatment alternatives for patients who are missing teeth, we are still striving to improve our surgical and restorative techniques. The foundation for all procedures should be a proper diagnosis to determine the appropriate treatment options.
To help take the guesswork out of the diagnostic phase the use of 3D imaging (CBCT) with interactive treatment planning software, such as coDiagnostiX™, aids the planning of implant placement, the design of surgical drill guides and the ultimate restoration. I have found that by incorporating a digital implant planning system and working closely with a lab who offer CAD/CAM production, I benefit from well-designed surgical drill guides and high-quality implant-borne restorations. This in turn, reduces complications and enhances the communication within the interdisciplinary team.
The use of CBCT and coDiagnostiX™ has greatly impacted my ability to diagnose in all dimensions, allowing a full appreciation of individual, patient-specific anatomy and a clear understanding of the existing quantity and quality of bone, trajectory of the alveolus, and location of vital structures. It also serves as a powerful communication tool for patients, colleagues, and with my lab of choice.
Digital workflow for implants
The ideal for me is to achieve prosthetically driven implant reconstruction. To achieve this, I need a complete understanding of the relationship between the tooth and the underlying bone. In addition, proper diagnosis may require working closely with a lab to create ‘virtual’ diagnostic wax-ups of the surgical guide and the proposed final restoration, allowing adjustments to be made to achieve the best possible outcome. Therefore, “it’s not the scan, it’s the plan” that becomes my driving force.
The coDiagnostiX™ system offers many options for diagnosis, consultation and seamless workflow integration. Virtual implants of known length and diameter can be simulated within the receptor site, establishing the proper trajectory of the implant within the cross-sectional image and in relation to the desired restorative option (i.e. screw- or cement-retained). Using advanced software features and the process of segmentation, the existing tooth root can be virtually extracted and the proposed implant with an abutment projection can then be positioned to emerge through the desired restorative result.
Balraj Sekhon - BDS (Manc), MJDF RCS (Lond), PGCert (UCLan), MSc Dental Implantology (Distinction)
Balraj graduated from the University of Manchester in 2003 and has since worked throughout Manchester providing the highest quality dental care. He is one of the principal dentists at Circle Dental. Balraj’s ethos is to treat every patient with the utmost care and provide the best evidence-based dentistry.
Since qualification he has been spent many hours learning from the best dentists in the country in the fields of restorative and implant dentistry. He has acquired the Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties from the Royal College of Surgeons and a Masters Degree in Dental Implantology with Distinction from the University of Central Lancashire. Balraj is also a published author in the Journal of Operative Dentistry.
Balraj has studied dental implantology to the highest possible standard and currently works with a Yorkshire-based surgical team with Specialist surgeon, Dr Robert Dyas. He has a growing referral network of practices and has also managed problems encountered by other dentists. He has a keen interest in teaching and this has been recognised by his appointment as Educational Supervisor by the Northwest NHS Deanery.
For more information on case planning and guided surgery, contact Straumann on 01293 651230 or visit one of our sites:
straumann.co.uk
straumanndigitalperformance.co.uk
therevu.co.uk
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