Our Summary
This research paper is about a surgical procedure called osteoplasty, which is used to reshape bones. In the context of dental implants (which replace missing teeth), having enough bone in the right shape is important for the implant to be successful. After a tooth is removed, the bone that used to surround it can shrink and develop sharp edges. Osteoplasty can be used to smooth out these edges, providing a better foundation for the implant.
The researchers looked back at patient records from a university clinic to see how often osteoplasty was needed in dental implant surgery. They collected data from 554 patients (331 men and 223 women) who had a total of 1,044 implants. They then analyzed this data to see if the need for osteoplasty was related to factors like the patient’s age, gender, or the location of the implant.
They found that osteoplasty was needed more often for implants in the back of the lower jaw. They also found that men needed osteoplasty more often than women.
FAQs
- What is osteoplasty and why is it important in dental implant surgery?
- How does the location of the implant or the patient’s gender affect the need for osteoplasty in dental implant surgery?
- What were the main findings of the research on osteoplasty in relation to dental implant surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about dental implant surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the dentist or oral surgeon. This may include avoiding certain foods or activities before and after the surgery, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments. By following these instructions carefully, patients can help ensure the success of their dental implant surgery and minimize the risk of complications.
Suitable For
Additionally, they found that older patients were more likely to require osteoplasty compared to younger patients.
Overall, patients who have experienced bone loss or have irregular bone shapes due to tooth extraction are typically recommended for dental implant surgery with osteoplasty. Additionally, patients who are older or have implants in the back of the lower jaw may be more likely to require osteoplasty. It is important for patients to consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates for dental implant surgery with osteoplasty.
Timeline
Before dental implant surgery, a patient may experience tooth loss, bone shrinkage, and consultation appointments with a dentist or oral surgeon. They may also undergo X-rays or CT scans to assess bone density and shape.
During the surgery, the patient will be placed under local anesthesia or sedation. The dentist or oral surgeon will then make an incision in the gum to expose the bone, drill a hole for the implant, and place the implant securely in the bone. In some cases, osteoplasty may be performed to reshape the bone for a better fit.
After the surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. They will be advised to follow post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activities. The patient will also need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the implant is integrating properly with the bone.
Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after dental implant surgery can vary depending on individual circumstances, but it typically involves preparation, surgery, and recovery phases.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about dental implant surgery and potential osteoplasty include:
- What is osteoplasty and why might it be necessary for my dental implant surgery?
- How will I know if I need osteoplasty before the implant surgery?
- What are the risks and benefits of undergoing osteoplasty as part of the dental implant procedure?
- How will osteoplasty affect the overall success and longevity of the dental implant?
- Are there any alternatives to osteoplasty that could be considered?
- Will I experience any pain or discomfort during or after the osteoplasty procedure?
- How long is the recovery time for osteoplasty, and how will it impact my daily activities?
- Will osteoplasty have any impact on the cost of the dental implant procedure?
- Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow after undergoing osteoplasty?
- What is the success rate of osteoplasty in improving the bone structure for dental implants, based on your experience as a practitioner?
Reference
Authors: Kalaivani N, Arun M, Abhinav RP, Ramakrishnan M. Journal: J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2020;30(2):141-145. doi: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2020035926. PMID: 33426854