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IMP · 04

Computer-Guided Dental Implants — Millimeter-Perfect Placement

Freehand implant placement relies entirely on the surgeon's visual judgment mid-procedure. Computer-guided surgery replaces that judgment with a digital plan, executed the same way every time. It's how we place implants with fractions-of-a-millimeter accuracy — consistently, on the first try.

Schedule Consultation → Call (301) 652-2222
Accuracy
< 1 mm
Planning
Full 3D CBCT
Method
XNav or guide
IMP · 04
Implants
Chevy Chase, MD
Radiant Dental
Why Guided

The difference between "close enough" and exact

An implant placed one millimeter off in the wrong direction can push against a nerve, perforate a sinus, or sit in bone too thin to support it. None of these are apparent to the naked eye during surgery. They show up in the 3D scan you didn't take.

Computer-guided surgery means the implant goes exactly where it was planned — not where it looked right in the moment. We use two guidance methods depending on the case: XNav dynamic navigation for same-day or complex cases, and static 3D-printed surgical guides for straightforward cases.

Every implant placed at Radiant Dental Care is digitally planned. There is no freehand placement here. Not because the technique is bad, but because precision, when available, should not be optional.

Two Methods

Static vs. dynamic navigation

Both approaches rely on the same 3D plan. The difference is how the plan gets executed in the mouth.

X-Guide NXT dynamic navigation system with CBCT scan displayed on monitor — used during guided implant surgery at Radiant Dental Care
In our surgical suite
The X-Guide NXT — GPS for implant surgery.
A stereo camera tracks the drill and your jaw in real time, overlaying the planned position on the screen as we work. The drill follows the plan, not the other way around. Paired with our Rayscan CBCT, this is the precision advantage that defines every case we take.
Navigation
X-Guide NXT
CBCT
Rayscan Pro
Accuracy
Sub-millimeter
Guide wait
None
M 01

Static surgical guide

A 3D-printed plastic guide that slips over your teeth and physically restricts the drill to the planned angle and depth. Best for straightforward, planned-in-advance cases.

M 02

XNav dynamic navigation

Real-time GPS-style tracking of the drill against your 3D scan. A monitor shows the drill's exact position during surgery. Best for complex cases, same-day cases, or when case changes on the fly.

M 03

Which we pick

We select based on case complexity, bone quality, whether same-day restoration is planned, and aesthetic demands. We're one of the few Chevy Chase practices with both in-house.

The Digital Workflow

From scan to surgery

Digital planning happens before the first incision. That front-loaded effort is what makes guided surgery fast, predictable, and safer than freehand.

01

3D CBCT scan

In our office, a single 20-second scan captures your entire jaw in 3D — bone density, nerves, sinuses, existing teeth.

Visit 1
02

Intraoral scan + merge

A digital scan of your teeth is aligned with the CBCT to create a full virtual patient model. Dr. Siddiqui plans implant positions in this combined view.

Same visit
03

Surgical plan review

We walk through the plan with you — why each implant is where it is, what the final restoration will look like, what risks exist. Plan is finalized.

~30 minutes
04

Guide fabrication or XNav setup

If static: surgical guide is 3D-printed in-house or sent to lab. If dynamic: XNav registration is done chairside at the surgery appointment.

Days or same-day
05

Guided surgery

Implant is placed following the digital plan to within fractions of a millimeter. Most cases take 30–90 minutes depending on number of implants.

Surgical visit
Investment

Guided surgery is included

We don't charge extra for guided placement — it's our standard of care. Every implant placed at Radiant Dental Care is digitally planned and guided, period.

Typical Investment

What it costs

CBCT + digital implant plan Included with all implant treatment
Included
Static surgical guide Printed in-house
Included
XNav dynamic navigation For complex or same-day cases
Included
When you pay for an implant at Radiant, you're paying for the complete digital workflow — not for a free-handed placement with upsell for the guide. Book a consultation to discuss your case.
Questions

Frequently asked

Is computer-guided really more accurate than freehand?
Yes — peer-reviewed studies consistently show sub-millimeter accuracy with guided surgery vs. 1–2 mm+ deviation with freehand, especially in complex cases. For a single implant, that difference can mean hitting or missing a nerve.
Does guided surgery take longer?
The surgery itself is actually faster — the planning is done in advance, so we're not making judgment calls in the chair. Total chair time is typically shorter than freehand.
Is XNav better than a static guide?
Neither is universally better. Static guides are faster for single, straightforward cases. XNav is better for complex anatomy, multi-implant cases, or when we need to adapt mid-surgery. Dr. Siddiqui picks based on the case.
Can I get guided surgery anywhere?
CBCT and digital planning are becoming standard, but many practices still outsource both — and many general dentists don't own either machine. We have CBCT, full planning software, 3D printer, and XNav all in-house.
Does guided surgery mean less pain?
Indirectly, yes. Smaller, more precise incisions mean less tissue trauma and faster healing. Many guided cases can be done "flapless" — no gum cutting at all.
What about radiation from CBCT?
Modern CBCT scanners deliver dose equivalent to a cross-country flight — far lower than a medical CT. The diagnostic value vastly outweighs the minimal exposure. We use low-dose protocols.
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Ready When You Are

Your next smile starts with a consultation

Dr. Jay Siddiqui personally evaluates every case. No associates, no rotating doctors. Book online or call to schedule — evenings and Saturdays available.

Schedule Online → Call (301) 652-2222