What is a surgical guide?
A surgical guide is a rigid, transparent template produced on a 3D printer. It sits on your teeth, gums or bone in one position only. Metal sleeves in the guide mark where each implant goes, so drills and the implant follow the planned path rather than a freehand estimate.
How it is prepared
- Intraoral scan in the clinic
- Planning with dental laboratory support: the future tooth first, then the implant
- Review: we look at the plan together on screen
- Production of the guide by the lab
- Surgery: the implant is placed through the guide
Benefits
- Placement close to the planned position, with safe distances to nerves, sinus and neighbouring roots planned in advance
- Implant positioned for the tooth that will sit on it
- Often a shorter procedure
- In suitable cases, flapless placement: no incision, usually no stitches and less swelling
Is it suitable for everyone?
Not for everyone, but for most patients. Limited mouth opening, or the need for extensive bone grafting at the same appointment, may make open surgery the better choice. A guide reduces the margin of error; it does not remove the normal risks of surgery, which are explained at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does guided surgery heal faster?
Bone integration takes the same time. However, when the implant can be placed flapless, the first days are usually more comfortable.
Can I see the plan?
Yes. We review the plan together on screen before surgery.
How long does it take to make the guide?
Typically from a few days to a couple of weeks after the examination and intraoral scan, depending on the case.
This page is for general information. Your treatment is decided after an examination and the necessary imaging. Timelines vary from person to person.