X-Guide robotic-guided implant surgery is a dynamic navigation method that guides the dentist in real time to place implants in the mouth exactly as they were planned digitally on cone beam CT (CBCT) images. The system does not operate on its own: the dentist places the implant, while X-Guide displays position, angle and depth on screen as the procedure happens. For many patients this means implants can be placed without cutting or stitching the gum. At our clinic in Denizli, Turkey, suitability is assessed with a CT scan before any decision is made.
- Each implant's site, diameter, length, direction, depth and angle is planned in advance
- The drill position is tracked on screen in real time during surgery
- Most patients do not need a gum incision or stitches
- In suitable cases, impressions and a CAD/CAM restoration can follow in the same session
Treatment process
Preparation and CT scan
After a short preparation, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images are taken.
Digital planning
The scans are merged in the X-Guide software, and each implant's position, diameter, length, direction, depth and angle is set according to the planned restoration.
Navigated surgery
The dentist places the implants as planned while following the drill's position on screen in real time. In most patients no gum incision is made.
Impressions and restoration
Because bleeding is minimal, impressions can be taken in the same session in suitable cases, and the restoration can be made and fitted with the CAD/CAM system.
Follow-up
Healing and the condition of the implants are monitored at regular check-ups.
What is X-Guide and how does it work?
X-Guide is a dynamic navigation system used in implant surgery. It is often described as robotic implant surgery, but the procedure is performed by the dentist, not by a robot. The system acts as a guide that steers the dentist to the planned position.
First, cone beam CT (CBCT) images are taken and merged in the X-Guide software, so that where and how each implant will sit in the jawbone can be planned digitally. During surgery, a camera system tracks the position of the surgical drill in the mouth and shows it on screen against the plan in real time.
What is decided during digital planning?
For each implant, the following are planned before surgery:
- The site in the jawbone
- Implant diameter and length
- Direction and angle
- Depth within the bone
Because position and angle are set according to the planned crown or bridge, aesthetics and function are considered together from the start.
Flapless implant surgery
In the conventional approach, the gum is cut and lifted (a flap) so the bone can be seen, and stitches are placed at the end. With X-Guide, the implant's position can be followed on screen, so for most patients this incision is not needed.
- Less post-operative swelling is expected.
- Bleeding is reduced, which in suitable cases allows impressions to be taken in the same session.
- Fewer surgical instruments are needed for cutting and stitching.
Benefits of X-Guide implant placement
- Placement to plan: implants are placed at the planned position, angle and depth.
- Control in varying bone density: the difference between softer spongy bone and denser compact bone can cause the drill to drift; navigation reduces the risk of an implant being placed at an unintended angle.
- Lower risk of later problems: well-positioned implants reduce the risk of issues such as loosening of the abutment screw or restoration.
- Time saved: in suitable cases most of the work can be completed in a single session, with the restoration produced the same day using CAD/CAM.
Is it suitable for everyone? Limitations
X-Guide is not suitable for every patient. At the time our original material was written, its use was limited in more complex cases such as:
- Fully edentulous (toothless) jaws
- Very thin bone
- Cases requiring bone grafting
The equipment and software licensing costs also make this approach more expensive than conventional implant surgery. The most suitable method for you is decided after examination and CT assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a robot perform the surgery?
No. X-Guide is a navigation system and the dentist places the implant. The system shows the drill's position on screen in real time so the dentist can follow the digital plan.
Will I need stitches?
Most patients do not, because no gum incision is made. Depending on the bone or additional procedures, some cases may still require an incision and stitches.
Can I have teeth fitted on the same day?
In suitable cases, reduced bleeding allows impressions to be taken in the same session and a CAD/CAM restoration to be fitted. This depends on how firmly the implant is held in the bone and on the overall plan.
Is X-Guide suitable for everyone?
No. Its use can be limited in complex cases such as fully toothless jaws, very thin bone or cases needing bone grafts. Suitability is assessed after examination and a CT scan.
How is it different from conventional implant surgery?
Conventionally, the gum is usually opened so the bone can be seen directly. With X-Guide, the implant is planned in advance on a CT scan and the dentist is guided to that plan on screen during surgery.
The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment plan by a dentist. Treatment and outcomes vary from person to person.