Could digital software herald the advent of cheaper dental implants?

A new study has looked at whether dental implants could become a cheaper option in the future with the use of digital technology to replace the expertise and experience of the dental implant surgeon.

The study, published in the Journal of Oral Implantology, reviewed how digital software could speed up the process of dental implants. Traditionally, there are many stages to the dental implant journey, from initial scans being made to the implants being created and the researchers compared that with a patient that required just two visits with the application of digital technology to replace the need for impressions being made and the manual skill of the dental implantology team.

What does a dental implant procedure involve?

Dental implants are appropriate for patients that require replacement of one or more teeth. They can support an individual tooth replacement, a bridge to restore a number of missing teeth and even to firmly secure dentures. A titanium screw is placed into the jawbone to replace the natural tooth root. Titanium is compatible with tissues in the jaw and can bond with bone as it heals.

Mr Afshin Yousefpour will first assess bone health to ensure that it will provide a long-lasting foundation for your dental implants. A bone graft may be required in advance of placement of dental implants.

Then the titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone which has been prepared in advance. Once the healing process has occurred, where the implant has fused, or ossified, to the bone, then an attachment, known as an abutment, is fitted to the top of the implant and a crown, bridge or denture can be attached.

Dental implants are a very safe and effective treatment that is long lasting if the patient adopts a rigorous approach to dental care with regular maintenance appointments with your dental hygienist.

Dental implant expert Mr Afshin Yousefpour welcomes any technological advance in the field of dental implantology, but any developments have to be fully assessed to ensure that they do not lead to the detriment of the patient experience and the final outcome.