Surgical Stent for Dental Implants: Is this Necessary?

I had #30 & #31 extracted with allografts three months ago. #29 now has two cracks from grinding (after the loss of these teeth my bite is a mess) so my oral surgeon (OS) referred me to a prosthodontist who is preparing a crown. He recommended making a surgical stent, or guide, for the OS to use for the dental implant placement. The OS had no plans to use a stent, but he also had no plan to do a CT prior to placement. I am considering using a different OS, and he doesn’t use stents, either, but does do CT scans. My question is – how important is a surgical stent? The cost is $350.00, and if it is highly recommended I will have one made, but I would greatly appreciate hearing what a few more experts think. Thanks so much.

11 Comments on Surgical Stent for Dental Implants: Is this Necessary?

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Dr. Edward Kusek
11/9/2015
I have a few statements to your question. First, alot of surgeons do not use a stint. If you know the anatomy and tooth positions you could get by without one. Secondly, The fee you are quoted for the stint is probably a lab fabricated stint which does not take account for the anatomy of your mouth. Finally, there are stints that utilize the CT anatomy and correct tooth position, but it is far more expensive for this type of stint.I personally use a CT fabricated stint for all my cases. There are situations when the patient is draped that you loose orientation for the correct position.There are also situations where correct implant placement is critical by either anatomy or tooth positioning and maximum aesthetics. It makes me more prepared for each case to know the anatomy before the surgery. That being said, others do not wish to treat like this at this time, but with medical/legal concerns, I would say in the future this is the way things will go. good luck Dr. Edward Kusek
Dr. Carlos Boudet
11/9/2015
A surgical stent gives the surgeon the information about the planned treatment, things like the size, shape and position of the teeth that are going to be placed on the implant(s). There are a lot of surgeons that do not use a surgical stent and still do a good job, but by fabricating a stent, the prosthodontist is making sure that he has given the surgeon all the information that he can to help him place the implant in the ideal position. Sometimes the adjacent teeth can serve as a guide when only one implant is being placed, but the greater the number of implants planned, the greater the surgical stent is recommended. A CT scan is an excellent way to obtain as much information about the anatomy and the volume and morphology of the bone before the surgery is planned. I hope this helps and good luck with the surgery. Carlos A. Boudet, DDS, DICOI
David S. Weber, CDT
1/20/2018
I own a lab that I started 32 years ago. For the past 25 years I have specialized in Implant Dentistry, and since 2004 our lab has been limited to Implant Dentistry. In my experience, the minimal cost to the patient for a tradition pilot hole stent is a very good investment towards the optimal final result for the patient. I also present continuing education courses to Dentists and Surgeons on the advantages of today's Guided Surgery. Extra diagnostic information is taken and utilized to place the implant in the perfect position and depth from the restorative perspective. Using guided surgery, the surgeon is locked into this perfect position and depth with the 3D printed surgical guide. We "virtually" place the implant, and surgery is so accurate to that plan that we can make a screw-retained temporary before surgery, and placed at the same appointment.
Jane
12/4/2015
I paid $259 for the stent and when placing the implant the OS placed it in my mouth for maybe 3 seconds. Is this typical? Seems expensive for 3 seconds of use
sjaan
11/17/2017
what you pay for is not the time things take but the education and expertise behind what's a successful dental result
David S. Weber, CDT
1/20/2018
The fit of the stent takes about 3 seconds. However, it's purpose is to be in your mouth and used to guide the first small drill used to create the space for the dental implant. That doesn't take long, either, but if it isn't used for that first drill, then it wasn't utilized for it's purpose.
john babcock
4/17/2016
In preparation for upper and lower dentures with 2 implants on the lowers I was quoted a price of $1000.00,seems high from what I've read. comments please
David S. Weber, CDT
1/20/2018
At that very low fee, mini implants were almost certainly used. You may want to research the difference between conventional two-piece dental implants and single-stage mini implants.
sjaan
11/17/2017
for 2 implants plus upper and lower dentures....that's very reasonable.....very reasonable. I'm having 2 implants placed for a 3 unit bridge and it's costing me over 4500......I understand we all want fair market value, but in your case....a full set of dentures for the rest of your life with minor adjustments from time to time is great value indeed
Kiomars
1/15/2018
I’m missing complete upper and working with my dentist became pretty familiar with the procedure have done my CT scan along with panoramic xeray as I understood the CT scan helps the surgeons to locate the most dense in the jawbone and in case if it is closer to the sinus they can use the right angles to avoid further complications by implants and that is why after these two steps my dentist is waiting for the stent from the lab to properly go for test of the procedure.
AJ
7/26/2018
Im a bit confused......So is it betterbtomhave a stint casting vs a CT Scan of the areas involved for multi-full implants, and is $375 per each stint on the high side when you are having 2/ upper and lower for implants/procedure done simultaneously ($375 x 2= $750 seems very high, shouldnt asome type of a quantity discount offerred by the lab n dentist requesting the work/2-stint procedure? If having a total of 4 implants n a partial bridge (upper and lower) completed over a period of apprx. 2 years of work wouldnt it be cheaper n better to have a full mouth CT Scan vs a Stint impression done??? How do some of these One Stop Shop places/practices adverrtised on TV offer a Quick 1-2 day start to finish job/service for Dental Implants, whereas my Dentist and Oral Surgeon who work independently/practice will take i-12 months per 1-2 implants with posts and crown completion???

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