Guided sleeve

A guided sleeve, also known as a guided cylinder, is a round metal cylinder usually five millimeters in length and available in various diameters, which is incorporated into a surgical or stereolithographic guide to precisely position the drill and subsequently the dental implant during surgery. Guided sleeves often come as part of a guided drilling set and allow for the accurate placement of a dental implant. The length of the guided cylinder helps in placing the implant at the right depth in the bone and ensures the drill follows the correct path and angulation through the bone for successful implant placement. The use of guided sleeves in oral surgeries and implant procedures ensures a much higher rate of accuracy than if the practitioner were to perform the surgery free hand. Recent studies have shown that the use of longer sleeves and drill keys also play a crucial role in achieving the highest level of accuracy.