Reviewed by Dr. Jason Fluckiger, DMD

Reading time: four minutes.

Advancements in new dental implant technology have elevated dental implant placement by improving precision, reducing recovery time, and enhancing patient comfort. 

Guided surgery is one of the biggest innovations in implant technology, offering a safer and more predictable alternative to traditional methods.

At AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we utilize advanced techniques like Chrome Guided Smile, co-developed by Dr. Brent Boyse, to deliver accurate, efficient, and long-lasting implant solutions.

This blog covers everything you need to know about guided implant surgery, including how it works, its advantages, and what to expect.



Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

During guided implant surgery, the surgeon uses a custom 3D-printed surgical guide to place dental implants with extreme precision. This technique reduces incisions, minimizes recovery time, and improves implant success rates, making it a more accurate and comfortable alternative to traditional methods.

What Is Guided Implant Surgery?

Guided surgery uses 3D imaging, digital planning, and custom surgical guides to ensure precise implant placement.

Instead of relying solely on a surgeon’s experience and manual implant placement, this technique leverages computer-guided implant placement, implant planning software, and digital impression technology for more predictable results.

  • 3D imaging & digital scans: Detailed scans of your mouth help map out the optimal implant position.
  • Custom surgical guide: A 3D-printed guide is created to direct the exact placement of each implant.
  • Minimally invasive surgery: With precise pre-planned positioning, there is less need for wider incisions and tissue reflection.
  • Immediate restorations: Many patients receive a temporary prosthesis on the same day.

How Does It Compare to Traditional Implant Surgery?

While traditional surgery has been effective for decades, guided surgery offers significant advantages:

FeatureTraditional ImplantsGuided Implant Surgery
Placement AccuracyManual positioning3D-guided sub-millimeter precision
Surgical TimeLonger, multiple visitsShorter, often same-day
Incision SizeLarger, more invasiveMinimal, potentially flapless approach
Healing TimeLonger due to more traumaFaster, less discomfort
PredictabilitySurgeon experience-dependentDigitally planned for accuracy

The Role of Chrome Guided Smile in Implant Technology

At AZ Max, we specialize in the Chrome Guided Smile system, a state-of-the-art guided surgery technique that incorporates implant planning software and drilling protocols to optimize prosthetic outcomes and reduce implant failures.

This technique ensures maximum precision and aesthetic results. This method, co-developed by Dr. Brent Boyse, is particularly beneficial for full-arch restorations such as All-on-X implants.

The system enhances implant stability, aesthetics, and patient comfort, making it one of the most advanced solutions in new dental implant technology.

Benefits of Guided Implant Surgery

Patients who undergo guided surgery benefit from enhanced treatment planning, precise implant position, and improved implant outcomes due to the integration of computer-guided implant surgery and digital implant planning.

  • Faster healing & less discomfort: Precise placement reduces tissue trauma.
  • Higher success rates: Digital planning minimizes placement inaccuracies.
  • Immediate functionality: Some patients receive same-day restorations.
  • More natural results: Improved implant alignment enhances aesthetics.
  • Ideal for complex cases: Works well for patients with bone loss or challenging anatomy.

What to Expect During the Surgical Procedure

Guided dental implant surgery uses a flapless or minimally flapped surgical approach that minimizes trauma and supports bone volume retention for improved implant outcomes.

  1. Initial consultation & digital impression: Your surgeon will perform a detailed assessment, take a digital impression, and evaluate bone density and bone quality to determine the best treatment plan.
  2. Digital planning: Using advanced software, the most optimal implant position is determined.
  3. Custom surgical guide fabrication: A 3D-printed guide is created to ensure precise implant placement.
  4. Surgery day: The guide is placed, allowing the surgeon to position the implants accurately with ideal position.
  5. Healing & follow-up: Most patients recover faster than they expect often with discomfort resolving within two weeks from surgery. Patients return for next phases once healing is complete, usually in 3-4 months.

FAQs About Guided Implant Surgery

Is guided implant surgery painful?

While no surgery is without discomfort, the minimally invasive approach paired with shorter operating times helps to keep pain and swelling minimized compared to traditional implant surgery.
For a deeper understanding of discomfort and recovery, check out our guide on Are Dental Implants Painful? What to Expect During and After Surgery.

How long does the procedure take?

Guided implant surgery is faster than traditional methods, with many procedures completed in a single appointment which may last 2-3 hours.

Is guided implant surgery more expensive?

While the technology involved is advanced, the reduced surgical time and fewer follow-ups can make it a cost-effective option.
For a detailed breakdown of costs and factors that influence pricing, visit our guide on How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?.

Schedule Your Guided Implant Surgery Consultation

At AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we are committed to providing cutting-edge implant solutions that follow the latest surgical protocols.

We use implant planning software, computer-guided implant placement, and digital implant planning to improve implant outcomes and ensure a high success rate for our patients. 

If you are considering dental implants, guided implant surgery offers the most precise and comfortable solution.

To book a free dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe or Show Low, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.