Guided Implant Surgery
Precision Planning for More Predictable Implant Outcomes
Guided implant surgery uses digital imaging, virtual treatment planning, and 3D-printed surgical guides to improve the accuracy of implant placement before the procedure begins. Rather than relying on intraoperative judgment alone, the position, angle, and depth of each implant is planned in advance using detailed three-dimensional data from the patient’s own anatomy.
Dr. John Darby and Dr. Timothy Johnson use guided surgery protocols for dental implant treatment at their offices in Ocala and Crystal River, FL. With over 60 years of combined experience in implant placement, the addition of digital planning tools further improves the precision and predictability of every case.
Benefits of Guided Surgery
- More precise implant positioning
- Shorter procedure times
- Reduced post-operative discomfort and swelling
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of surgical complications
How We Plan and Execute Your Surgery
01 — CBCT Imaging
Every implant treatment plan begins with cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging. This technology produces high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the teeth, bone, and surrounding structures — giving our team an accurate anatomical map of the jaw before any planning begins. CBCT imaging is fast and exposes patients to significantly less radiation than traditional CT scans, while providing the level of detail that two-dimensional x-rays cannot capture.
02 — Simplant Virtual Planning Software
Using the data from your CBCT scan, we design your implant treatment virtually using Simplant software. Each implant’s position, angulation, and depth is planned within a digital model of your actual jaw anatomy. This step allows us to identify the optimal placement for each implant before the surgery date, design the surgical guide, and plan the final restoration with the same digital dataset — improving accuracy at every phase of treatment.
03 — Custom 3D Surgical Guides
The surgical guide produced through virtual planning is placed in the mouth during surgery, directing each implant to its pre-planned position with precision. This eliminates positional variability and reduces operative time. In many cases, a temporary crown or prosthesis can be placed the same day as surgery, so patients leave with functional teeth while the implant sites heal.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
If you have been referred by your dentist or are exploring dental implant options, our team is here to help guide you through the process.
Schedule a dental implant consultation to receive a comprehensive evaluation, clear treatment recommendations, and coordinated care designed to support long-term success.