Our Summary

Since the 1970s, a lot of work has gone into improving dental implants. These implants have become a crucial part of dental treatment. The market for dental implants is projected to reach $13 billion by 2023. Even though over 90% of dental implants are successful, there are still issues when it comes to patients with poor bone conditions. Certain health conditions, like diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, and the use of certain medications, can affect how well the bone heals around the dental implant. This is particularly concerning because our population is getting older and these conditions are more common in older people. Because of this, researchers are looking into better ways to encourage osseointegration, which is when the bone grows around the implant to hold it in place. This is especially important for people with poor bone health. This paper discusses the current progress and future possibilities for this research.

FAQs

  1. What is the expected growth of the global dental implant market?
  2. What factors can cause dental implant failure?
  3. What are the current research trends in improving dental implant osseointegration?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and successful osseointegration of the implant. This may include avoiding hard or sticky foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments with the dental provider. Additionally, maintaining overall good health, including managing medical conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis, can also contribute to successful outcomes for dental implant surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for dental implant surgery are those who have missing teeth and are in good general health. However, patients with compromised bone conditions, such as those with diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, or who are taking certain medications, may require additional considerations and precautions before undergoing dental implant surgery. It is important for the dentist to assess the patient’s overall health and bone condition before recommending dental implant surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with the dentist to discuss the need for dental implants and the treatment plan.
  2. Examination: The dentist evaluates the patient’s oral health and bone structure to determine if they are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
  3. Preparatory procedures: If necessary, the patient may undergo procedures such as tooth extraction or bone grafting to prepare for the implant surgery.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Healing period: The patient will need time to heal and allow the implant to integrate with the jawbone. This can take several months.
  2. Placement of abutment: Once the implant has healed, an abutment is placed on top of the implant to connect the artificial tooth.
  3. Restoration: The dentist places the artificial tooth (crown) onto the abutment to complete the dental implant procedure.
  4. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have follow-up appointments with the dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure the implant is successful in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of dental implants compared to other tooth replacement options?
  2. What is the success rate of dental implant surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after dental implant surgery?
  4. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with dental implant surgery?
  5. How long do dental implants typically last?
  6. What is the process for caring for dental implants after surgery?
  7. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or special instructions to follow after getting dental implants?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures, such as bone grafting, before getting dental implants?
  9. How will the dental implant surgery be performed and what type of anesthesia will be used?
  10. What is the cost of dental implant surgery and are there any financing options available?

Reference

Authors: Alghamdi HS, Jansen JA. Journal: Dent Mater J. 2020 Mar 31;39(2):167-172. doi: 10.4012/dmj.2019-140. Epub 2020 Jan 22. PMID: 31969548