Implant-supported restorations are either screw-retained or cement-retained. While screw-retained restorations offer easier retrievability, the screw access hole can affect esthetics. Additional problems with screw-retained restorations include screw loosening and issues with achieving a passive fit. In comparison, cement-retained restorations are generally less expensive, as they require fewer components and less chair-side time.
Despite improved dental care over the past few decades, edentulism is still common among elderly patients. Complete edentulism, which is often a consequence of caries, poor oral hygiene, and periodontal disease, has a detrimental effect on the patient’s oral and general health and overall sense of well-being.
The All-on-Four treatment concept was designed to help edentulous patients and those who are facing complete tooth loss. It is extremely popular, as patients can receive an immediately loaded, full-arch restoration using just four dental implants.
Several types of surgical guides can be used during implant placement. Your selection will depend on your preferred treatment method and implant system. In turn, your choice of surgical guide influences the treatment planning process.
Surgical guides have been in use for years, and some clinicians experienced in placing dental implants still find that a simple surgical guide is sufficient to ensure a successful surgery. However, with the increasing popularity of CAD/CAM technologies, it is becoming more common to use CAD/CAM guided surgery, which utilizes surgical guides that have been manufactured to replicate a digital treatment plan.
Patients are increasingly aware of how implant dentistry can help them achieve a beautiful, fully functional, and healthy smile, even when they are completely edentulous. Dental technology has evolved to meet the demand for better esthetics and more predictable results. Dentists are now able to utilize the most up-to-date 3D implant solutions, which improve treatment outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. Embracing the digital workflow and restorative-driven implant treatment can be advantageous for both clinician and patient.
Traditionally, dental implants have diameters between 3.75 mm and 4.1 mm and have been scientifically proven to provide excellent long-term results. These implants are widely regarded as an industry standard and it’s extremely rare for them to fracture, even after long-term use. When choosing standard dental implants, the alveolar ridge must have sufficient horizontal crestal dimensions and there must be adequate space between the adjacent teeth or other dental implants. It’s generally thought to be advisable to have a horizontal crestal alveolar width of approximately 6 mm with a 3 mm inter-implant distance.
Approximately three million Americans already have dental implants. This figure is estimated to increase by half a million each year.
Originally developed for neurosurgery, computer-guided surgery provides dentists with several advantages, helping them achieve predictable and safe implant placements.
It’s estimated that there are 35 million people who are edentulous in the United States, and although a well-designed denture can be a good option, some patients may struggle to comfortably wear dentures, especially in the longer term. These patients could well benefit from dental implants but concerns over price may deter them from seeking this treatment. Others will be unaware of how implant treatment could help them, or may have previously spoken with clinicians promoting expensive and relatively invasive procedures that might not be suitable.