Our Summary

This study looked at how much experience dental students in the U.S. are getting in certain types of dental surgeries, specifically periodontal (gum) surgeries and dental implant placements. The researchers sent a survey to the heads of periodontics programs at all U.S. dental schools and received responses from just over half. They found that most of these programs allow students to perform these types of surgeries, but only a small percentage of students actually do. They also discovered that students are more likely to place dental implants at schools with bigger periodontics residency programs. There was a lot of variation in the amount of surgical experience students are getting, and the authors suggest future research should look at other types of surgeries as well.

FAQs

  1. What types of dental surgeries were the focus of this study?
  2. What percentage of dental students actually perform periodontal and dental implant surgeries?
  3. Does the size of a school’s periodontics residency program affect the likelihood of students placing dental implants?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to carefully follow post-operative instructions provided by the dentist or oral surgeon. This may include guidelines on how to care for the surgical site, what to eat or avoid, and when to schedule follow-up appointments. Following these instructions can help ensure proper healing and successful integration of the dental implant.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended dental implant surgery are those who have missing teeth or teeth that are severely damaged and cannot be restored through other means such as fillings or crowns. Dental implants are a popular option for patients who want a permanent and natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth. Additionally, patients who have good oral health and adequate bone density are also good candidates for dental implant surgery. It is important for patients to have a thorough evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for dental implant surgery.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery, a patient will typically undergo a consultation with their dentist or oral surgeon to discuss their treatment plan, assess their oral health, and determine if they are a good candidate for dental implants. This may include X-rays, impressions, and other diagnostic tests to plan the surgery. The patient may also need to undergo pre-surgical preparations such as taking antibiotics or stopping certain medications.

During the dental implant surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia to numb the area and the oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone. A hole will then be drilled into the bone and the implant will be placed. The gum will be stitched closed and the patient will be given post-operative instructions for care and pain management.

After dental implant surgery, the patient will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following the procedure. They will need to follow a soft diet and avoid chewing on the implant site until it has healed. The patient will have follow-up appointments with their dentist or oral surgeon to monitor the healing process and ensure the implant is properly integrating with the jawbone. Once the implant has fully healed and fused with the bone, the patient will receive a permanent restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture to complete the implant process. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are important to maintain the health and longevity of the dental implant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How many dental implant surgeries have you performed?
  2. What is the success rate of dental implant surgeries in your practice?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after dental implant surgery?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures before getting dental implants?
  6. How long do dental implants typically last?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How should I prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?
  9. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  10. What is the cost of dental implant surgery and are there any financing options available?

Reference

Authors: Katsaros T, Allareddy V, Elangovan S. Journal: J Dent Educ. 2019 Aug;83(8):953-958. doi: 10.21815/JDE.019.090. Epub 2019 May 13. PMID: 31085689