Virtual surgical planning is improving jaw surgery outcomes and dental implant procedures by increasing surgical accuracy, reducing operative time, and helping patients heal faster.
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, we use advanced computer-assisted planning to ensure each procedure is tailored to your needs for better surgical outcomes.
Table of Contents
- How Virtual Surgical Planning Works
- The Benefits of Virtual Surgical Planning in Orthognathic Surgery
- Virtual Surgical Planning vs. Traditional Methods
- The Future of Maxillofacial Surgery with Virtual Surgical Planning
Virtual surgical planning improves surgical accuracy, reduces operative time, and leads to faster recovery by using advanced 3D modeling and computer-assisted planning. Foley & Le Oral Surgery applies this cutting-edge technology to jaw surgery and dental implants, ensuring better patient outcomes with precise, customized treatment plans.
How Virtual Surgical Planning Works
Virtual surgical planning creates a 3D model of the patient’s jaw and face using 3D dental imaging. This allows precise adjustments before surgery, reducing errors and improving surgical outcomes.
Key Steps in the VSP Process
- Digital imaging: A CBCT scan captures a detailed 3D model of the patient’s craniofacial structures (bones). An intraoral scanner (IOS) is used to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth and soft tissues.
- Virtual plan creation: Specialized software generates a customized virtual plan for the procedure by combining the data for the CBCT and IOS.
- Surgical simulations: The procedure is tested virtually to ensure surgical accuracy.
- 3D printing: Custom patient-specific cutting guides, bone plates and surgical splints are printed to be used during the surgery.
- Surgery: The planned procedure is performed using the surgical guides, improving the accuracy of the surgery and frequently reducing operating time.
The Benefits of Virtual Surgical Planning in Orthognathic Surgery
VSP makes orthognathic surgery more precise, reducing risks and improving patient outcomes.
1. Increased Surgical Accuracy
- Enhances cephalometric analysis for better jaw alignment
- Reduces mistakes common in traditional methods
- Increases precision in complex surgeries like upper and lower surgery
2. Faster Surgery and Recovery
- Frequently reduces operative time with pre-planned surgical procedures
- Minimizes soft tissue trauma and post-operative swelling
- Leads to fewer preventable complications
3. Custom Treatment with Patient-Specific Guides
- Patient-specific surgical guides improve surgical accuracy
- Reduces guesswork and sources of errors during surgery
- Improves reconstructive surgery results for mandibular and maxillary reconstruction
4. More Predictable and Better Patient Outcomes
- Systematic reviews confirm improved results and higher success rates
- Virtual planning ensures correct maxillary position and bone positioning
- Helps analyze craniofacial structures in detail before surgery
Virtual Surgical Planning vs. Traditional Methods
| Feature | Virtual Surgical Planning | Traditional Methods |
| Surgical Accuracy | High due to 3D modeling and computer-assisted surgery with custom cutting guides, bone plates and occlusal splints | Lower due to manual adjustments |
| Surgery Time | Reduced with pre-planned procedures | Longer due to intraoperative decisions |
| Customization | Patient-specific surgical guides and 3D printing | Limited customization |
Virtual Surgical Planning for Dental Implants
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery we use virtual surgical planning for complex dental implants to improve precision and long-term surgical outcomes.
- Computer-assisted planning ensures proper implant placement
- 3D printing creates accurate surgical guides
The Future of Maxillofacial Surgery with Virtual Surgical Planning
As technology improves, VSP will continue to advance craniofacial surgery and oral maxillofacial procedures. With better imaging, three-dimensional printing, and custom surgical plans, procedures will become even more precise and efficient.
Pro Tip: Choose a surgical team that uses computer-assisted orthognathic surgery for more accurate and predictable results.
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you need orthognathic procedures, mandibular reconstruction, or complex surgeries, our expertise ensures a smooth process and faster recovery.To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
