Losing teeth can have a significant impact on our quality of life, self-confidence and overall health. Fortunately, significant advances in dental science have provided permanent and effective solutions such as dental implants. In recent years, with the help of technology, we see the emergence of **digital implants**; A more accurate and faster way to replace missing teeth. If you are looking for a modern solution for implanting a dental implant or are curious about the differences and advantages of a digital implant, this article is for you. What is a digital implant? Digital implant is an advanced method of dental implantation that has revolutionized the process of implant implantation by using digital technologies such as 3D oral scanning (CBCT), advanced design software and 3D printers. Unlike the traditional method that relies more on manual dexterity and 2D images, in a digital implant, an accurate virtual model of the jaw and teeth is created. Using this model, the dentist determines the best place to place the implant (with microscopic precision) so that during the operation, the implant is placed exactly in the right place. proper conditions for doing digital implants Digital implants are suitable for a wide range of people who need tooth replacement, but in some cases, the benefits become more prominent. You are the right person for this procedure if: - You are looking for very high precision in implant placement. - You want to experience less pain and swelling after surgery. - You prefer to have a shorter and faster recovery period. - Time is important to you and you want to have fewer treatment sessions. - You have complex jaw conditions, such as bone loss or the need for implants in sensitive areas near nerves. - Due to your fear of dentistry, you are looking for a less invasive method. - You care a lot about beauty and the natural end result. - You have good general health and take good care of your oral and dental hygiene. stages of digital implant The digital implant implantation process usually includes the following steps, which are carried out with high precision and planning: 1. Initial consultation and examination: the dentist will check your oral condition and ask about your medical history. 2. 3D scan (CBCT) and digital molding: Instead of traditional molding, very accurate 3D images are made of your mouth and jaw using an intraoral scanner and CBCT machine. 3. Treatment plan design: Using specialized software, the dentist analyzes the 3D model of your jaw and determines the best position, angle and size of the implant with high precision. At this stage, the prosthesis or the final tooth cover is also designed virtually. 4. Making a surgical guide: based on the treatment plan prepared in the previous step, a surgical guide is made using 3D printers. This guide acts like a precise template and is placed on the patient's jaw during surgery. 5. Implant surgery: The surgery is performed using a surgical guide. This guide helps the dentist place the implant exactly at the planned location and angle, without the need for extensive gum incisions (if possible). This will reduce bleeding and pain. 6. Recovery period: After the implantation of the implant base, it takes time for it to fuse to the jawbone, which usually takes several months. 7. Connecting the abutment and the final cover: After ensuring that the implant is welded, a piece called the abutment is installed on it, and then the dental cover, which is designed and made digitally, is placed on the abutment to have the same appearance and function as a natural tooth. Advantages of digital implant The use of digital implants has significant advantages over the traditional method: - Unparalleled accuracy: 3D planning and the use of a surgical guide minimize human error and the implant is placed exactly in the best possible position. - Reduction of pain and swelling: Due to the minimally invasive surgery (often without the need for a wide incision in the gums), pain, swelling and tooth repair after the operation are significantly less. - Shorter recovery period: faster gum and bone healing due to less tissue damage. - Increasing the speed of treatment: reducing the overall time of the treatment process and the number of required sessions. - High predictability: treatment results are more predictable in advance and the probability of implant success increases. - Better beauty and performance: the possibility of a more precise design of the final cover to perfectly harmonize with other teeth and create a more natural smile. - Ideal for complex cases: the possibility of more successful treatment of patients who have low bone density or need to place implants in sensitive areas of the jaw. Disadvantages of digital implants Despite the many advantages, digital implants may also have disadvantages: - Higher cost: usually due to the need for advanced equipment (scanner, software, 3D printer) and higher expertise of the dentist, the cost of digital implant is slightly higher than the traditional method. (It is explained more in the cost section) - Need for equipment and expertise: performing this procedure requires clinics and dentists who are equipped with these technologies and their knowledge. - Limitation in some special cases: In very rare cases, the bone or anatomical conditions of the patient may be such that the use of the surgical guide is challenging. Is digital implant better or normal? Choosing between digital and conventional implants depends on each patient's preferences, budget, and specific circumstances. The following table helps to compare these two methods in key aspects: complications of digital implant **Complications of digital implants** are mostly similar to the complications of traditional implants, except that due to precision and less invasiveness, the possibility of some complications is reduced. These complications include: - Infection at the surgical site (can be prevented by observing hygiene and taking prescribed antibiotics) Temporary pain, swelling, or bruising after surgery (usually less than traditional surgery) - Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels (the probability is very low with digital programming) - Sinus problems (if implants are placed in the upper jaw and close to the sinuses - can be avoided with careful planning) - Failure of the implant (failure to fuse to the bone, which is very rare) Cost of digital implant One of the common questions of patients is about the cost of digital implants. As mentioned, due to the use of more advanced technologies and the need for specialized laboratories to make surgical guides, the cost of digital implants is usually between 10 and 30% more than traditional implants. However, this additional cost is often offset by benefits such as reduced pain, shorter recovery times, more accurate results, and the need for fewer sessions. The cost of each digital implant unit may vary, but it is usually between 15 and 35 million Tomans. Various factors such as the implant brand, the need for bone grafting, the number of implants and the clinic's tariff can affect the final cost. The best way to know the exact cost is to consult with a specialist dentist.