Going digital – the future of dental implantology?
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 8th April 2023
Dental implantology has had an intriguing evolution, stretching back millennia. Our knowledge of implant dentistry has expanded exponentially, and now in the 21st century we’re able to achieve remarkable outcomes for our patients. The development of digitalised dentistry has taken the profession by storm, transforming how treatments such as dental implant therapy are delivered. The dental sector must be prepared to meet the ever-changing population demands and ensure we continue to deliver only the best care to our patients – could digitalised dentistry help us in this endeavour?
Dental implants – a brief history
Missing teeth, hardly a modern phenomenon, has prompted numerous societies across history to innovate with the materials they had to hand at the time. This includes resources such as shells, gold, ivory and bone, depending on the time and place.[i] Fast forward to the 1900s and various experiments were being conducted to facilitate successful dental implant treatment. As the years wore on, many more pioneers continued to finesse the design of the dental implant. Finally, in 1965, Dr Per-Ingvar Brånemark placed the first titanium dental implant.i Then, the rest is history.
Well, not quite. Modern day professionals continue to research the most effective ways to facilitate healthy, long-lasting outcomes in patients. Despite the innovative advancements that have been made thus far, complications are still encountered in certain types of situations in practice, largely due to biological causes but also human error. To promote improved precision, comfort and swifter treatment times, digital dentistry often comes into the fore.
The next generation of dentistry
The latest research demonstrates further that digitalised dental systems and solutions are helping dental professionals improve the care they deliver. For example, CAD/CAM technologies have, since their inception in the 1970s,[ii] improved dramatically. Now, it’s not uncommon for dentists to use them for processes within the fields of prosthodontics, orthodontics and, especially, implant dentistry. Paired with technologies such as intraoral scanners and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging machines, the entire dental workflow is transformed.
Patient satisfaction, a monumental part of dentistry, is thought to be facilitated by digitalised dental tools and equipment. For instance, it’s been reported that taking digital impressions is more comfortable for patients, especially for those with jaw mobility issues such as trismus or those with a gag reflex.[iii] Similarly, the level of accuracy provided by digital modalities should be highlighted, in addition to reduced chairside time and greater efficiency within the dental practice and laboratory.[iv]
Clearly, digitalised dental processes have a myriad of benefits for professionals and their patients, especially within the field of dental implantology. This is the next era of dentistry as we know it, but many professionals are cautious about adopting digital dental tools and equipment. Our population is aging and so we must be prepared to support these individuals and their varying needs. It’s certainly likely that dental implants, already a monumental field, will continue to grow well into the future. Dental professionals who are hesitant about digitalised dental tools should consider the ways that such technology could ease the burden of an aging population, in addition to reducing the common complications experienced following dental implant therapy. For example, guided dental implant surgery is reported to add additional predictability to the treatment pathway, reducing certain complications such as misaligned dental implants.[v] CBCT scanners are considered a reliable tool for assessing bone density and for predicting dental implant stability.[vi]
Of course, digital modalities are not the answer in every situation or case – traditional materials and methods are still very much depended on by clinicians. Nonetheless, with sufficient training and experience, digital technologies and systems can offer exciting opportunities for the dental team and for the field of dental implantology.
Knowledge: the key to staying ahead
The Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) is proud to present the ADI Team Congress 2023! Here, dental professionals can keep abreast of the latest conversations within the field of implant dentistry by attending riveting lectures on digital dentistry and much more. Alongside a range of tailored programmes for each member of the dental implant team, delegates can take full advantage of the major exhibition, in addition to hands-on workshops and exciting social events! It’s the place to be if you want to stay up-to-date on all the research and information in the field – so, if you haven’t booked your place, what are you waiting for?
Dental implantology is an evolving field, one that dental professionals must keep pace with in order to continue providing an exceptional level of patient care. Digital dentistry may be the new paradigm for dental implant treatment and education, and while some may not be ready to take the plunge just yet, there is no denying its positive and immense impact on the profession.
ADI Team Congress 2023
Dental Implants: Individual Excellence or Team Triumph
Birmingham
4-6 May 2023
ADI members can access the event at a heavily discounted rate, join today
Amit Patel – President of The Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) is registered with the General Dental Council as a specialist in periodontics.
His special interests are dental implants, regenerative and aesthetic periodontics.
Amit graduated from the University of Liverpool and completed a four year specialist training programme in Periodontics at Guy’s, King’s & St Thomas’ Dental Institute.
[i] Abraham, C.M. (2014). A Brief Historical Perspective on Dental Implants, Their Surface Coatings and Treatments. The Open Dentistry Journal, [online] 8(1), pp.50–55. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4040928/ [Accessed 23 Jan. 2023].
[ii] JPDA (2018). A Review On Cad Cam In Dentistry. [online] JPDA. Available at: https://www.jpda.com.pk/a-review-on-cad-cam-in-dentistry/ [Accessed 20 Jan. 2023].
[iii] Costa, V., Silva, A.S., Costa, R., Barreiros, P., Mendes, J. and Mendes, J.M. (2022). In Vitro Comparison of Three Intraoral Scanners for Implant—Supported Dental Prostheses. Dentistry Journal, [online] 10(6), p.112. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6767/10/6/112[Accessed 23 Jan. 2023].
[iv] Mühlemann, S., Kraus, R.D., Hämmerle, C.H.F. and Thoma, D.S. (2018). Is the use of digital technologies for the fabrication of implant-supported reconstructions more efficient and/or more effective than conventional techniques: A systematic review. Clinical Oral Implants Research, [online] 29, pp.184–195. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/clr.13300 [Accessed 23 Jan. 2023].
[v] Matsubara, V.H., Gurbuxani, A.P., Francis, S. and Childs, R.J. (2021). Implant rehabilitation of edentulous maxilla in digital dentistry: A case report utilizing CAD/CAM technologies. Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects, [online] 15(2), pp.115–121. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8346708/ [Accessed 23 Jan. 2023].
[vi] Noaman, A.T. and Bede, S.Y. (2021). The Effect of Bone Density Measured by Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Implant Dimensions on the Stability of Dental Implants. The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34930876/ [Accessed 24 Jan. 2023].
