More than 15 million people per year seek dental implants after accidents in the United
States alone. The surge in the ageing population and new technology has the dental implant
market set to cross $5.2 billion by 2024.
There’s never been a better time to streamline processes and make the best use of
technology to address the needs of your patients. Investing in the right technological
advancements can help practices make the best use of new dental implant technology.
Great practitioners know that staying ahead of the trends can revolutionize their practice.
Whether you are considering investing in new products, process enhancements, or
equipment, there is a tremendous opportunity now as demand is set to increase.
Here are 6 big trends to watch.
Table of Contents
1. 3-D Guides and Printing
Integrating photos of a patient’s face with 3-D imaging of their dental work allows for better
results in implant procedures.
These 3-D guides don’t remove the need for dental finesse entirely. But their ready
information provides a clear path for each procedure.
3-D guides help dental professionals work out any issues with the implant surgery ahead of
time. They can also integrate best practices along with the unique needs of each patient.
3-D technology can also be helpful in the implants themselves. 3-D printing technology
allows for different materials to be successfully used in crafting implants for the unique
needs of each patient.
The hyperplastic used in the 3-D printing process are durable and allow for fast recovery.
2. Robot Assistance
With the benefits of 3-D imaging and digital workflows, there are additional advances
available in implant surgery. Robot-assisted surgery and invisalign process are already taking place.
Robot-assisted surgery decreases errors in surgeries and provides assistance with drill
direction for dental professionals.
Robots have successfully performed dental implant surgery on their own. They only required
the supervision of dentists.
Rather than the exception, this technology will soon be standard in many procedures.
3. Zirconium Implants
There is a growing demand for metal-free dental implants. As a result, Zirconium implants
are a new technology that will provide better service to more patients going forward.
These metal-free implants allow for less corrosion than their metal counterparts. They are
also considered more aesthetically pleasing by many professionals and patients alike.
The biocompatibility of this type of implant also represents a new technology. As a result,
patients will see more beautiful results that are set to last longer with little corrosion.
As stated above, Zirconium is by no means the last word in dental implant products. With
hyperplastic and other materials, there is a new trend in dental implants.
4. Mini-Dental Implants
One of the barriers to implants for many patients is the cost. However, new trends allow all
patients to receive the benefit of new technology for dental implants.
Mini-dental implants are smaller and less expensive than their traditional counterparts. They
provide an option for patients other than the large denture route.
In addition, mini-dental implants combat some of the problems with other dental technology.
They provide a better taste experience for patients.
The recovery period is also shorter. These mini-dental implants require a minimum of bone
grafting. As a result, patients recover faster.
5. Fighting Infections
The new technology for dental implants isn’t reserved for robots and procedures. There are
also new developments that can make implant surgery safer and more effective.
All dental professionals know that one of the greatest issues in implant surgery is the
possibility of infection. Luckily, the latest technology changes that and lowers the chance for
infection and complications after the procedure.
New implants that include a reservoir of antibacterial agents allow for healthier recovery
periods. These reservoirs slowly release the antibacterial agents over time. They also
protect the patient from the possible build-up of infection. For example, the teeth cleaning services and dental implants in Orlando help fight oral bacteria build-up.
Bacteria aren’t able to build up a harmful film as a result.
6. All-on-4 Technology
One of the ways the newest dental implants is set to change dentistry is in availability. Even
patients who were once considered unable to receive dental implants now can benefit from
All-on-4 technology.
Integrating the 3-D technology discussed above, All-on-4 technology can provide patients
with a full arch replacement in a single day. The convenience of 3-D imaging allows for a
faster procedure.
All-on-4 allows for a full row of teeth to be anchored with only 4 implants. What’s more,
the patient can leave the surgery on the same day.
For patients who have been poor candidates for surgery due to a lack of bone in the back of
their jaw, All-on-4 changes everything. Dental professionals can help them with new implants
now.
Educating Patients on the Benefit of Dental Implants
While dental implants will be more effective with the latest technology, not every patient will
see the clear benefits at first. Educating current and future patients about the new
technologies and clear advantages rests on the shoulders or dental professionals.
Patients should be taught about the aesthetic and health benefits of new dental implant
technology. In addition, make sure your patients know about the increased ability to clean
their teeth and the improved function of their teeth,
You can help them learn more about the types of implants offered as well as the ease of
caring for their implants after surgery.
While not every patient is suited for surgery the latest technology will help many.
Learn How to Apply New Dental Implant Technology
Understanding the advances in the latest technology for implant dentistry is only one part of
improving your practice. Just as important is learning how to apply and perfect new dental
implant technology.
Unfortunately, simply knowing 3-D printing of guides is available won’t help your patients.
The best dentists need to know how to use digital workflows and deploy technology for the
best results.
