Our Summary

This research paper evaluated the accuracy of a specific method of dental implant placement using surgical splints, which are devices used to guide the placement of the implant. The study compared the accuracy of this method across different types of supporting tissues - tooth, mucosa (the soft, moist tissue in the mouth), or bone.

The researchers conducted a thorough literature search and found 877 articles, of which 18 were included in their analysis. They found that the studies they reviewed had a high risk of bias, and therefore their recommendations are not very strong.

However, they did find that using tooth support was significantly more accurate than using bone support. There were no significant differences in accuracy when it came to horizontal or vertical deviation from the planned implant position. This means that the type of support (tooth, mucosa, or bone) did not affect how much the actual placement of the implant deviated from the planned position in a horizontal or vertical direction.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of surgical splints in dental implant surgery?
  2. What did the research study find about the accuracy of different types of support for dental implant surgery?
  3. Did the research study find any significant differences in accuracy depending on the direction of deviation from the planned implant position?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and successful integration of the implant into the surrounding tissue. This may include avoiding certain foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or issues with the implant to your dentist promptly to address any potential complications early on.

Suitable For

Based on this research, dental implant surgery using surgical splints may be recommended for patients who have tooth support rather than bone support. Patients with mucosa support may also be considered for this type of surgery, although the accuracy may not be as high as with tooth support.

Overall, dental implant surgery may be recommended for patients who have missing teeth and are looking to restore their smile and improve their oral health. It is important for patients to consult with a dental professional to determine if they are suitable candidates for dental implant surgery based on their individual oral health needs and circumstances.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with the dentist to discuss treatment options and determine if the patient is a good candidate for dental implants.
  2. Pre-operative appointments for x-rays, impressions, and treatment planning.
  3. Any necessary preparatory treatments such as tooth extractions or bone grafting.
  4. Finalization of treatment plan and scheduling of the surgery.

During dental implant surgery:

  1. Administration of local anesthesia to numb the area.
  2. Placement of the dental implant into the jawbone.
  3. Closure of the gum tissue over the implant.
  4. Possible placement of a temporary restoration to maintain aesthetics and function.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Recovery period with instructions for pain management, oral hygiene, and diet restrictions.
  2. Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove any temporary restorations.
  3. Healing period of several months for osseointegration, the process in which the implant fuses with the jawbone.
  4. Placement of the final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) once osseointegration is complete.
  5. Regular follow-up appointments for maintenance and monitoring of the implant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the success rate of dental implant surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after dental implant surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  5. How many dental implants do I need and where will they be placed?
  6. Will I need bone grafting or sinus lifting procedures before getting dental implants?
  7. How long do dental implants typically last?
  8. What type of maintenance and care will be required for dental implants?
  9. Will I experience any pain or discomfort during or after the surgery?
  10. What are the alternatives to dental implants if I am not a suitable candidate for the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Balaguer-Martí JC, Canet-López Á, Peñarrocha-Diago M, Romeo-Rubio M, Peñarrocha-Diago M, García-Mira B. Journal: Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2023 Jan-Feb;38(1):157-168. doi: 10.11607/jomi.9796. PMID: 37099571