Our Summary

This study looked at the early failure rate of dental implants placed by oral surgeons and periodontists (gum specialists). The researchers analyzed data from 57 professionals who performed over 26,000 implants in a nationwide chain of dental clinics from 2017 to 2019.

The results showed that periodontists had a slightly lower early failure rate (1.3%) compared to oral surgeons (1.7%). However, this difference was not statistically significant, meaning it could be due to chance. The only factor that was found to predict early implant failure was the number of implants a professional placed during their specialty training – the more practice they had, the lower the failure rate.

The study concluded that there’s no significant difference in early implant failure rate between oral surgeons and periodontists. It also suggested that more attention should be given to hands-on training during specialty programs to improve the success rate of dental implants.

FAQs

  1. What was the main finding of the study regarding the early failure rate of dental implants?
  2. Is there a significant difference in early implant failure rate between oral surgeons and periodontists?
  3. What factor was found to predict early implant failure?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to choose a specialist who has had a high volume of practice placing implants during their training. This can help increase the success rate of the procedure and reduce the risk of early implant failure. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions carefully, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending regular follow-up appointments with your dentist are important factors in ensuring the long-term success of your dental implant.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended dental implant surgery include those who have missing teeth, have sufficient bone density in the jaw to support the implant, have good oral health overall, and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene post-surgery. Additionally, patients who are not suitable candidates for traditional dentures or bridges may also be recommended dental implant surgery.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with the dentist or oral surgeon for a consultation to discuss their needs and determine if they are a good candidate for dental implants.

  2. Treatment plan: A personalized treatment plan is created, including the number of implants needed, the type of implant, and any necessary preparations such as bone grafting.

  3. Pre-surgery preparations: The patient may need to undergo additional procedures such as tooth extractions or bone grafting before the implant surgery.

  4. Implant placement: The dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, and the patient is given time to heal before the next steps.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Healing period: The patient’s jawbone needs time to heal and fuse with the implants, a process known as osseointegration. This can take several months.

  2. Restoration: Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, the patient returns to have the abutments and dental crowns attached to the implants, completing the restoration process.

  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have follow-up appointments with their dentist or oral surgeon to ensure the implants are healing properly and to address any concerns.

  4. Long-term care: The patient will need to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular check-ups to ensure the longevity of their dental implants.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How many dental implant surgeries have you performed?
  2. What is your success rate with dental implant surgeries?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery process after dental implant surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  6. What is the expected lifespan of the dental implant?
  7. Will I need any additional procedures, such as bone grafting, before the dental implant surgery?
  8. What is the cost of the dental implant surgery and are there any payment plans or financing options available?
  9. How should I care for my dental implant after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or guidelines I should follow before and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Mordechai F, Tali C, Jonathan M, Ori P, Yaron B, Ram S, Guy T. Journal: Clin Oral Investig. 2022 Oct;26(10):6159-6163. doi: 10.1007/s00784-022-04565-z. Epub 2022 Jun 27. PMID: 35759088