Our Summary

This research paper aimed to compare two different surgical techniques used in dental implant placement: piezoelectric surgery (PS) and conventional drilling (CS). The researchers wanted to see if PS provided higher implant stability, required more surgical time, or improved the success rate of the implant compared to CS.

They looked at various studies published in the last decade that compared these two techniques. Out of 177 articles, only five were included in their analysis.

The results showed that there was no significant difference in the stability of the implant between the two techniques at the start. However, after two and three months, implants placed using CS showed significantly higher stability. They also found that PS required more time to perform than CS.

In terms of the success rate of the implants, there was no significant difference between the two techniques.

In simpler terms, this study suggests that the traditional drilling method for placing dental implants may provide better stability in the early months and is quicker to perform than the newer PS technique. However, both methods seem to have similar success rates.

FAQs

  1. What are the two surgical techniques compared in this research study for dental implant placement?
  2. Is there a significant difference in the stability of dental implants placed using piezoelectric surgery (PS) compared to conventional drilling (CS)?
  3. Does the piezoelectric surgery (PS) method require more time for dental implant placement than the conventional drilling (CS) method?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and success of the implant. This may include avoiding certain foods, taking prescribed medication, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It is also important to inform the doctor of any unusual pain, swelling, or complications during the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from dental implant surgery include those who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or gum disease. They may also be recommended for patients who have poorly fitting dentures or missing teeth that affect their ability to chew and speak properly. Additionally, patients with sufficient bone density in the jaw and good overall oral health are often good candidates for dental implant surgery. It is important for patients to consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine if dental implant surgery is the best option for their individual needs.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery, a patient typically undergoes a consultation with their dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, assess their oral health, and create a treatment plan. This may include X-rays, impressions, and other diagnostic tests. The patient may also need to undergo any necessary pre-surgery procedures, such as tooth extractions or bone grafting.

During the surgery itself, the patient will be given anesthesia to numb the area and may receive sedation to help them relax. The dentist or oral surgeon will then make an incision in the gums to expose the jawbone, drill a hole for the implant, and place the implant securely in the bone. The gums are then stitched closed, and a temporary crown or restoration may be placed.

After dental implant surgery, the patient will typically experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following the procedure. They may need to take pain medication, use ice packs, and follow a soft food diet during the initial healing period. The patient will also need to practice good oral hygiene and follow post-operative care instructions provided by their dentist.

Over the next few months, the implant will gradually fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. The patient will return to their dentist for follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress and eventually have a permanent crown or restoration attached to the implant. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for many years and provide a permanent solution for missing teeth.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about dental implant surgery include:

  1. Which surgical technique will be used for my dental implant placement – piezoelectric surgery or conventional drilling?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with each surgical technique?

  3. How long will the surgery take with the chosen technique, and what is the expected recovery time?

  4. Will one technique provide better stability for the implant compared to the other in the long term?

  5. What is the success rate of dental implants placed using each technique, and are there any specific factors that may impact the success of the implant?

  6. How experienced are you in performing dental implant surgeries using both techniques, and what is your success rate with each?

  7. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or precautions I should follow based on the chosen surgical technique?

  8. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments before or after the dental implant surgery, depending on the chosen technique?

  9. How much will the dental implant surgery cost with each technique, and will my insurance cover any of the expenses?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my specific case, and how do they compare to dental implant surgery in terms of effectiveness and success rate?

Reference

Authors: Amghar-Maach S, Sánchez-Torres A, Camps-Font O, Gay-Escoda C. Journal: J Prosthodont Res. 2018 Oct;62(4):391-396. doi: 10.1016/j.jpor.2018.04.004. Epub 2018 May 26. PMID: 29843978