Flapless implantology Assessment of the direction of implant drilling Assessment of the depth of drilling

Drilling in flapless implant surgery is performed without visualization of the bone. This blind procedure increases the risk of cortical bone perforation owing to a lack of visibility of hard tissue contours. The use of carefully planned surgical guides help the surgeon to drill in the precise planned position.

Since the crest of the ridge is below the soft tissue, it is difficult to observe the lines on the drill to access the drilling depth. Therefore, flapless implant surgery requires measurments of the mucosal thickness at the implant site of control the depth of drilling above the mucosa.

The simplest method of neasuring the mucosal thickness is by use of a needle. The needle is inserted into the bone surface going through the mucosa, and the depth is marked with a rubber stop.

The thickness of the mucosa covering the alveolar crest can be determined in a panoramic view. A cross-sectional view of a CT scan also be used to determine the mucosal thickness.

The sum of the length of the implant and the thickness of the mucosa is marked on the drills. Stops on the drill can be used for the mark.