Can you tell us more about the process of guided implantology ??? Sounds like dentistry of the future ???
Yes…it is !!! Imaging revolution and particularly new developments with CT (Computed Tomography) scan allow full analysis of the remaing bone supporting the teeth to know about its quantity, quality and 3D configuration.
Let’s first explain... what is implantology ?
Implantology is to screw an artificial root made of Titanium in the remaining bone of the jaw after a tooth has been pulled out. It is the modern alternative to missing teeth and to dentures. 4 months after the placement of this titanium root in the jaw, the dentist can build a crown above the artificial root and the Patient finally gets a new tooth where there was none any more.
The one issue with implantology is the amount of bone still remaining, existing after the teeth were pulled out. If there’s not enough then the implant will not be integrated and won’t be stable. That’s why the SXM Dental Institute relies on the Simplant software which is a pre-implant diagnosis software with CT scan imaging.
Why a SimPlant analysis is necessary ?
Before any implant placement, it is very important to evaluate the volume of bone and the quality of residual bone. A panoramic X Ray is not enough, it is very necessary to make a CT scan :
1 - It allows evaluating the density and the thickness of the bone using very thin reconstruction layers
2 - At the upper jaw, several zones are important to evaluate : in the anterior zone, the thickness of the bone and the relationship with the incisal canal, in the lateral zones, the relationship with the floor of the sinuses and in the posterior zones, the bone density which is sometimes critical
3 - At the lower jaw, the most important point is to evaluate the path of the inferior alveolar nerve.
Three Steps :
1 - Before the CT scan take, the shape and the position of the missing teeth are figured out using a ScannoGuide. This template is realized out of an impression of the jaws or out of a duplicate of the existing denture. This template is used to set up a prosthetic and a surgical project.
2 - The CT scan is performed in a CT scan center with this template in the mouth. The data are then sent to ACT company to be treated. The images are cleaned, segmented and converted to be used with SimPlant software. These data will be then sent to the dental clinic through the internet
3 - Using the SimPlant software, the implant planning and the analysis of the case will be done during the next appointment in the dental clinic. It is also possible to take advantage of an international Mentor consultation.
What profit this approach presents for the Patient ?
1 - The Patient takes profit of the most accurate and most secure pre-implant diagnosis existing today
2 - The Patient and the Surgeon can together evaluate the risks and decrease them by an objective strategy
3 - The Patient can visualize the surgery and better understand it
4 - The project is transfered to the mouth using a SurgiGuide compatible with the SAFE System. This guide is made in Belgium using a stereolitographic process and will be directly delivered to the dental clinic.
The SAFE System offers the Surgeon a series of tools for Secure, Accurate, Flexible and Ergonomic implant placement. Position, angle and depth of drilling as well as implant placement are guided through the use of SAFE in combination with SurgiGuides, resulting in an improved implant position.
For the patient, what is the step-by-step protocol ?
1 - Impressions are taken in the mouth or dentures are duplicated at the dental clinic (15 mn)
2 - Try in of the ScannoGuide at the dental clinic (5mn) before the CT scan take
3 - The CT scan is performed (30 mn) at the CT scan center
4 - Implant planning and case presentation are made at the dental office (30 mn).
This appointment takes place one week to ten days after the CT scan take
5 - The SurgiGuide is ordered by Materialise in Belgium (10 to 15 days to get it delivered to Saint-Martin)
6 - Implants surgery is performed in the dental clinic ( 45 to 60 mn)
7 - 4 months bone healing period
8 - Aesthetic crowns to be made topping the implants ( 8 to 10 days delay)
9 - New Teeth...New Smile, New Life !!!
Is there an appropriate lab service on the island ???
Yes, it is the very first thing to have been checked before settling on the island and there’s for sure only one lab with the competency and the equipments to make top cosmetic dental works.
This lab is Mr Belly’s Maeva Ceram Dentaire dental lab in Bellevue. It is 50 m far from the SXM Dental Institute which allows great service with the aesthetic appreciation and the delays.
Some part of the job which requires CAD / CAM as well as over implants prosthetic works are done in Paris area in one of the top French labs (LDA in Gentilly). Express delivery services are used to reduce delays.
What is the cost of this kind of high-tech dentistry ???
Costs depend on every situation...An evaluation will be done during your first appointment.
Costs are, in the SXM Dental Institute, even with a low US $, still 20% cheaper than in Puerto Rico, the US or in Europe for the same quality / service because Saint Martin is a low tax area.
Anyway, reliability has a price, there’s no compromise with health and safety.
If you have absolutely no idea of the real costs of top-level aesthetic dental treatments or guided implantology treatments, please, go check on the internet to know some more... and do not forget to add the cost of airplane tickets !!!
How much time to get my teeth fixed ???
If you need regular dental care treatments, most of them can be performed in a few appointments and days of time.
For prosthetic works such as aesthetic ceramic crowns, three to four weeks will pass between the start and the end of the treatment.
To go through the Simplant implants planning process and have SAFE System implants surgery, a full month at the very least will pass between the start and the end of the treatment.
Why don’t you take advantage of your vacation time on the island to get your skin more brown and your teeth whiter ???
To get a gorgeous brighten smile through the famous US ZOOM whitening procedure, you will only need two hours of your time to visit and enjoy the SXM Dental Institute !!!
Why don’t you take advantage of the few months you stay on the island to get the smile you’ve always been dreaming of and just start a new life ???
See the pictures below…and make up your mind !!!
Why creating the SXM Dental Institute in Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten ???
St Maarten has got good regular dental service on both sides of the island but had no specialist into dental aesthetics…until SXM Dental Institute was created three years ago.
SXM Dental Institute will always be the ONE leading place for top aesthetic dental treatments in Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten.
The SXM Dental Institute ambition is to develop full cooperation with Dutch and French dentists of the island and the Caribbean.
Soon SXM Dental Institute will integrate other French specialists into dental aesthetics and implantology to offer a larger service with specific surgery like bone enhancement and grafting techniques.
Where is the SXM Dental Institute located ???
The SXM Dental Institute is located in Bellevue, closed to the Tackling Insurances Office in between the WESA Computer store and the Golfe Hotel, on the opposite side of the Medical Imaging Center of Bellevue, above René the Butcher’s shop. See below for full address and numbers.
You will see PINK markings above the windows of the SXM Dental Institute. Entrance is by the rear of the building, just follow the PINK marks !!!
Opening hours are : 9 am to 7 pm (last appointment 6 pm) from Monday to Friday
How much time to get an appointment ???
There's no delay by the SXM Dental Institute and you'll be proposed an appointment right away !!!
