Dental Implants - 5 Things You Should Know About Dental Implants

Summary

In this dental-focused video, Dr. Richard Stevenson and his guest, Dr. Juan P. Anfrance, discuss critical factors for successful dental implant procedures. They highlight the importance of controlling health conditions like diabetes and quitting smoking, as these can affect implant success rates. The conversation emphasizes the quality of implant materials, the significance of proper planning and imaging, and the necessity of rigorous training for dentists. Additionally, they clarify that implants are not identical to natural teeth, requiring different care and maintenance. The discussion serves as an informative guide for patients considering dental implants.

Takeaways

• 🦷 Over 36 million Americans have no teeth and 120 million are missing at least one tooth, highlighting the significant need for dental implants.
• 📈 The implant industry has grown into a billion-dollar market in the United States, surpassing other dental industries.
• 🚫 Smoking and diabetes are the top risk factors affecting implant success rates, with uncontrolled diabetes and smoking impacting wound healing and blood flow.
• 💡 Patients with diabetes and smoking habits can improve their implant success rates by managing their conditions and quitting smoking.
• 🌟 Dental implant quality varies by manufacturer, with some using higher-grade titanium; it's crucial to inquire about the materials used.
• 💰 Be cautious of extremely low-cost implant offers, as they may compromise on quality and use additional fees to compensate.
• 📈 Proper diagnosis, planning, and imaging are essential for successful implant placement, and patients should expect multiple visits before implantation.
• 💼 It's important to ask about a dentist's training and experience in implantology, as not all training programs provide the same level of expertise.
• 🦴 Implants are not like natural teeth; they lack sensory feedback and require diligent cleaning and maintenance to ensure long-term success.
• 🧼 Oral hygiene is critical for implant longevity, and patients with a history of poor dental care should be prepared to commit to a strict cleaning regimen.

Q & A

What is the current state of the dental implant industry in the United States?

The dental implant industry in the United States has grown to over a billion-dollar industry, surpassing all other industries in dentistry. It has dramatically increased since the 1990s when only about one percent of people were performing implants.

How many Americans are affected by tooth loss?

36 million Americans have no teeth, and 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, which is approximately one-third of the population.

What are the biggest risk factors for dental implant success?

Smoking and diabetes are the biggest risk factors for dental implant success. They can bring down the success rate significantly due to their effects on wound healing, bone metabolism, and blood flow around the implant area.

What advice would you give to patients who are diabetic or smokers to improve their implant success rates?

For diabetic patients, it's crucial to manage and control their diabetes. For smokers, quitting smoking prior to surgery is encouraged. Both habits can negatively impact the success of dental implants.

Is there a difference in implant quality among manufacturers?

Yes, implant quality can vary among manufacturers. Some use the highest grade of titanium, while others might use lower grades, which can lead to more problems and lower success rates.

What should patients consider when choosing a dental implant provider?

Patients should consider the provider's use of high-quality materials, their training, and the technology they use for planning and placing implants. It's also important to ask about the success rates of the brand of implants used.

How important is the planning phase before dental implant placement?

Proper diagnosis, planning, and imaging are essential for the best results in implant dentistry. This includes the use of technologies like CBCT for 3D imaging and guides to ensure accurate implant placement.

What is the significance of a dentist's training in implant dentistry?

A dentist's training is significant as it ensures they have the knowledge and skills to diagnose, plan, and execute implant procedures effectively. Patients should feel comfortable asking about their dentist's training and qualifications.

Are dental implants the same as natural teeth?

Dental implants are not the same as natural teeth. They lack the periodontal ligament that provides sensory feedback, making them more susceptible to damage from excessive biting forces without the patient's awareness.

What are the maintenance requirements for dental implants?

Dental implants require special attention for cleaning and maintenance. Patients need to spend considerable time daily cleaning around the implants, which can be more challenging than maintaining natural teeth.