Dental implantology: what you need to succeed
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 14th October 2022
In recent years, dental implants have become a preferred treatment choice for a large portion of the UK population. While exact figures are hard to come by, especially considering the interruption to services caused by the pandemic, one source estimates that as many as 260,000 individual implants are being placed each year.[i]
But what is driving demand for dental implants and how can professionals looking to offer these treatments best ensure success?
A solution that goes the extra mile
Demand for dental implants in the UK is being driven by a number of factors. First of all, the general make up of the current UK population means that the country is classed as having an ageing population. This means that there are currently millions of individuals aged 65 or over and that this demographic is only likely to continue to grow in coming years.[ii]
As we get older, holding on to our natural teeth becomes more challenging. Periodontal disease, decay and other conditions can become harder to manage, leaving us open to tooth loss should these conditions progress. Plus, habitual behaviour such as smoking and drinking alcohol may, over time, also lead to tooth loss.[iii] It’s perhaps little surprise then that 74% of UK adults are missing at least one tooth.[iv]
Although there are many avenues open to individuals with a missing tooth, dental implants have lasting appeal. After all, unlike a bridge or removable denture, a dental implant is a permanent, fixed solution that mimics the function and appearance of a natural tooth. Plus, there’s the added benefit that dental implants stimulate the jawbone, thus preventing resorption and echoing the natural anatomy as much as possible.[v]
We also need to consider the benefits from a patient standpoint too. Dental implants can effectively be maintained the same as natural dentition and because they provide function that so closely echoes that of natural teeth, are easy to live with and don’t require a change in eating habits or other adjustments that could be the case for a removable denture or alternative treatment.
Factors for success
However, while dental implants are an appealing option, they are still many variables that dictate whether treatment is successful. For instance, bone quality, patient age, the length of the implant and implant location have all been found to have a direct impact on dental implant success.[vi] Achieving primary stability is paramount, as this helps to ensure that dental implants osseointegrate properly, creating the necessary foundation for long-lasting results.
That’s not even to mention factors that can influence survival post-placement. This is an area of research that is continually evolving, and even now new data is being produced that shows how things can that implant survival. For example, a recent article found that patients who are allergic to penicillin were almost twice as likely to suffer from implant failure compared to those who could use penicillin-based antibiotics during recovery.[vii]
In light of this, it’s clear that proper planning and understanding of each individual case is vital to ensure the best chances of clinical success.
So, with so many variables coming into play, how can you ensure that dental implant placement is as effective as possible?
Powerful technology from the word go
One way to help improve predictability of dental implant treatment is to harness technology that allows for deeper, more dynamic diagnosis and planning.
Carestream Dental believe in precision in every decision, which is why its range of imaging solutions have been engineered to offer professionals all the features they need to succeed in every indication.
The CS 8200 3D CBCT system helps support dental implant treatment with its innovative prosthetic-driven implant planning module. Presenting an optimal workflow with just a few clicks of a button, the system guides professionals through the implant planning stage, allowing them to combine 3D image data with their treatment plans and virtually place restorations so that they can explore various options.
Care that goes further
In the end, it’s clear that dental implant treatment is an option that will appeal to patients and one that is, despite its many variables, a trusted solution to tooth loss. By embracing cutting-edge tech and taking the time to truly understand each individual case, you can help ensure that your dental implant patients get a long-term solution.
For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or
visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk
Bio
Nimisha Nariapara is the Trade Marketing Manager at Carestream Dental covering the UK, Middle East, Nordics, South Africa, Russia and CIS regions. She has worked at Carestream Dental for the past 7 years, where she has developed her marketing skills and industry knowledge to bring the core values and philosophy of the company to the market.
[i] Dentistry. The Sky’s The Limit With Implant Dentistry. Link: https://dentistry.co.uk/2018/02/20/skys-limit-implant-dentistry/ [Last accessed April22].
[ii] Age UK. Later Life in the United Kingdom 2019. Link: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/reports-and-publications/later_life_uk_factsheet.pdf [Last accessed April 22].
[iii] Harvard Health Publishing. The aging mouth – and how to keep it younger. Link: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-aging-mouth-and-how-to-keep-it-younger#:~:text=Periodontal%20disease%2C%20characterized%20by%20receding,the%20tooth%20and%20the%20gum. [Last accessed April 22].
[iv] Dentaly. Interesting Facts About Teeth And UK Dental Statistics. Link: https://www.dentaly.org/en/dental-facts-statistics/ [Last accessed April 22].
[v] Wowern, N. et al. Implant-supported overdentures, a prevention of bone loss in edentulous mandibles? A 5-year follow-up study. Clin Oral Implants Res
. 2001 Feb;12(1):19-25.
[vi] Raikar, S. Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2017 Nov-Dec; 7(6): 351–355.
[vii] Medical Xpress. Patients reporting penicillin allergy less likely to have successful dental implants. Link: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-04-patients-penicillin-allergy-successful-dental.html [Last accessed April 22].
