Tuesday, December 20, 2016

3D Printing

In recent years, modern dentistry has sought to incorporate new developing technologies into current treatment options as a means of improving treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. At Lorton Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, one way we encourage better treatment results is through the use of 3D printing to create personalized surgical guides for dental implant treatments.

Why Use 3D Printing
Proper implant placement is critical to the longevity of dental implants. While it is possible to place implants without surgical guides, the traditional process of implant placement comes with higher risks, including implant failure.

To help ensure successful implant treatment, most experienced oral surgeons will use panoramic and CBCT imaging to create 3D digital models of the dentition and generate computerized surgical guides. However, there are certain drawbacks to this technology. As guides must be physically made in a lab, use of surgical guides can add time to the overall treatment. The cost of surgical guides also increases the cost of overall implant treatment, making it potentially prohibitive to certain patients.

3D printing presents patients with the opportunity to enjoy high quality implant placement without these traditional guide limitations. Similar to traditional surgical guides, 3D printed guides are customized based on advanced imaging and modelling. However, rather than having to wait for a lab to manufacture the final surgical guides, Lorton Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery has in-office 3D printers, allowing our team to generate precise replicas of your jaw in our office quickly and efficiently.

At Lorton Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, our goal is to ensure patients are in full control of their treatment from start to finish. With this precise replica, Dr. Patel is able to walk patients through their treatment and give them a realistic perspective of their prospective results.


To learn more about this treatment option, we encourage dental implant patients to call and schedule their implant consultation with our Lorton oral surgeon today. 

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

TRIOS Scanner

At Lorton Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, our goal is to provide patients with long-lasting dental solutions. To do so, we frequently incorporate modern technologies into our treatment planning strategies, particularly for patients receiving advanced dental care such as dental implants. One such technology we regularly utilize is the TRIOS scanner, an innovative alternative to traditional impressions known for improving patient experience and treatment results.

TRIOS – Enhancing Patient Experiences
On its own, implant preparation and placement is a lengthy process. Even after the implant has been placed into the jaw, patients must return to have additional scans and impressions taken of their smile in order to create a restoration that fits in perfectly with the rest of the smile. Unfortunately, the process of taking traditional impressions can be less than comfortable. Many patients find the “dental goop” to be difficult to tolerate, leading to incorrect impressions that require patients return in order to achieve an accurate model of the arch. Inaccurate impressions can also lead to inaccurate restorations, compromising the final look of the implant crown or bridge.

TRIOS eliminates many of these difficulties. Using 3D scanning technology, TRIOS takes digital images of each tooth, arch, and occlusion, creating an accurate digital model of the entire dentition. Our oral surgeon can manipulate the digital model through the TRIOS software, creating a precise implant restoration that will fit in naturally with the rest of your smile.

As the scan only takes moments to create a comprehensive and accurate model, TRIOS limits how much time patients spend in the chair. The intraoral camera is small and unobtrusive, making it ideal for patients with small mouths as well as those who have a hard time tolerating traditional impression material. Ultimately, TRIOS allows patients to enjoy an enhanced experience and improved restoration results.

Learn More about TRIOS Today

Our mission is to provide patients with the best care possible at every phase of their oral surgery or dental implant treatment. With TRIOS scanning, our team is able to ensure lasting, natural looking results. Contact our offices in Springfield and Lorton today to schedule your consultation with our oral surgeon.