Beyond frontiers
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 25th September 2022
In a galaxy not so far away… scientists, academics and wet-fingered dentists have been coming together to design and develop implant solutions for the modern world. The mission is always the same, but the journey different. As a profession, systems and concepts are needed to overcome the clinical challenges faced, all the while improving both the patient and practitioner experience. Cutting-edge solutions in the profession today enable practitioners to do what they’ve never done before.
Driving innovation
Science and innovation are the driving forces of the technology-dense world we live in today. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the arena of space exploration. In the past decade alone, we have seen the first ever spacecraft return to earth with samples from an asteroid, the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury and land on a comet, among several other achievements.[i]
Within a similar timeframe in implant dentistry, the concept of immediacy has grown in sophistication and popularity. Implant design has evolved, placement techniques have been adapted and excellent success rates have been achieved. Encouragingly, survival rates have been comparable to conventional implant placement concepts, with one systematic review finding 98.4% survival at two years post-placement.[ii]
With increased accessibility to cutting-edge products, training and support, a growing number of clinicians have started to provide immediate implant treatment from their own practices. This has not only made the many benefits of the treatment modality available to more patients, but also helped to pushed the boundaries of what is possible.
Of course, that’s not to say that immediacy doesn’t come with its challenges. As an advanced implant procedure, there are several aspects that clinicians – and patients – must be aware of if they are to actively reduce the risk of complications. To develop the field safely and continue to raise standards ethically and successfully, it is crucial that clinicians share experiences and best practice.
Preventing common complications with immediacy
Prevention of complications is key for uneventful healing post implant placement, regardless of the technique utilised. With regards to immediate implants, here are some of the key steps that clinicians can take to minimise the risk of difficulties:[iii]
- Adjunctive soft tissue augmentation can enhance volume of keratinised gingiva for reduced recession.
- Use of bone substitutes and grafting materials can help to build bone and limit the risk of insufficient bone volume or quality for primary stability of the implant.
- Careful irrigation, combined with well-maintained surgical instruments will help to reduce surgical trauma by preventing overheating of the bone during osteotomy preparation.
- Comprehensive planning should ensure no violation of anatomic structures, protecting vital structures and allowing prosthetically-driven treatment.
- Avoid infection with thorough debridement of the extraction socket and removal of granulation tissue.
- Cortical bone support for implants placed may help to enhance primary stability. Implant positioning – optimised through 3D planning – can be of assistance in this area.
Maximising on the benefits
When potential complications can be minimised, immediacy offers a myriad of advantages for patient and practitioner alike. Both parties will benefit from the reduced surgical steps required with immediate protocols and therefore likely less chair time for treatment completion. This may make the treatment process more time- and cost-effective for both patient and practitioner, allowing lower travel costs and greater productivity in practice, respectively. Patients also tend to appreciate the immediate function and aesthetics that can be achieved compared to when a delayed placement or loading technique is provided.
From a clinical perspective, immediate implant placement has been associated with preservation of the hard and soft tissue morphology, promoting bone volume and gingival aesthetics.[iv] In the anterior zone, conservation of the soft tissue architecture is especially important and may be supported by soft tissue grafting to optimise aesthetics.
Of course, this is still an advanced treatment modality, so operator skill and experience can contribute to success of the procedure.[v] It is essential that practitioners accrue sufficient training and practical capability before delivering this treatment in practice.
The implant system chosen is equally as important. Clinicians must have total confidence in the quality, reliability and durability of the implants they use in order to plan and execute predictable and highly successful treatment for a range of patients. The Axiom X3® has been designed with all this in mind. The latest in a long line of scientifically backed Anthogyr solutions – a Straumann Group brand – the Axiom X3® offers universal bone anchorage in all bone densities, maximum bone preservation, controlled insertion, frictionless integration and so much more. Download the full brochure from the website to discover the many other advantages it affords as it strives to take implant dentists beyond frontiers.
One small step for a dentist…
Immediacy has been proven to be a hugely beneficial treatment option in appropriate cases. As the field evolves, the solution will become accessible to more practitioners and patients, having an even greater impact on modern dentistry as we work together to make the impossible, possible.
For more information, please visit www.anthogyr-uk.co/x3
[i] Britannica. Overview of recent space achievements. Major milestones. https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Major-milestones [Accessed June 2022]
[ii] Lang NP, Pun L, Yee Lau K, Yan Li K, Wong MCM. A systematic review on survival and success rates of implants placed immediately into fresh extraction sockets after at least 1 year. Clinical Oral Implants Research. February 2012. 23(s5);39-66. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02372.x
[iii] Patil SS, Balkunde AS, Samant A, Patil R, Kadam P. Complications of immediate implant placement and its management: A review article. International Journal of Current Medical and Applied Sciences. November 2015. 8(3);78-80.
[iv] Dyakova MV, Bespalova NA, Klochkov AS, Durnovo EA. Preservation of Bone and Soft Tissue Components of the Alveolar Ridge during Immediate Implantation in the Aesthetic Zone of Jaws with Bone Deficiency. Sovrem Tekhnologii Med. 2020;12(1):57-62. doi:10.17691/stm2020.12.1.07
[v] Ebenezer V, Balakrishnan K, Asir RV, Sragunar B. Immediate placement of endosseous implants into the extraction sockets. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2015;7(Suppl 1):S234-S237. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.155926
