Gum-supported (minimally invasive)

This minimally invasive technique means that surgery will be performed without exposing the bone: there is usually no need for cutting with a scalpel, or stitches, (and therefore no need to have stitches removed).

The custom-made drill guide will be fabricated based on a prosthesis that fits your gums exactly. Often your dentist will use your existing denture if the fit is perfect as this saves time. Your dentist will then refer you for a CT scan at a dedicated scan centre where they will take scans of your jaw(s) with the prosthesis in place. They will then take a scan of the prosthesis by itself.

Using the computer aided design software, your dentist will then plan the exact placement of the implants in a virtual environment. Once this is complete, the drill guide is fabricated; its shape will be that of the original prosthesis but with drill holes to fit the planned implants.

In surgery, your dentist will place the drill guide over your gums and drill the holes for the implants through the holes in the guide, ensuring accurate placement of the implants, which is checked by the dentist. Once the holes are drilled, the guide is removed and the implants are placed. The abutments (connection between the implant and the crown or bridge) are attached to the implant, and the crowns or bridges placed on top of that.