A smile is more than just a cosmetic feature. It’s a working ‘tool’ that communicates many emotions.
In the human smile, the levators of the corners of the mouth and depressors of the lower lip contract to show the upper teeth. In most other primates, baring the teeth indicates a threat and does not reflect true ‘friendly feelings.’
Advancements in Diagnostic Imaging
Dental implants are a popular solution to replace missing teeth, offering patients a long-lasting, natural-looking, and functional smile. A high level of diagnostic and surgical skills is required to ensure that implant treatment is successful. However, these skills can only be achieved with adequate imaging.
Residents seeking comprehensive dental care often explore advanced solutions such as implant dentistry Plainview, ensuring a long-term and effective remedy for missing teeth and overall oral health improvement
In particular, CBCT has become an essential imaging modality for implant treatment planning and follow-up. It allows clinicians to visualize important anatomic structures, such as the inferior alveolar nerve and mental foramina, that are not easily visualized with panoramic and periapical radiographs.
In addition, MRI scanning can be performed on patients with titanium or zirconia dental implants. Although titanium and zirconia are MR-safe materials, ferromagnetic elements in other components of the patient’s prior dental treatment (including metal fillings, crowns with metallic infrastructure, braces, and dentures) may interfere with the scan. Therefore, patients must inform their dentist or oral surgeon in advance if they will be having an MRI procedure to ensure the best results.
Advances in Implant Materials
Although titanium is currently the implant material of choice, patient demand for more natural esthetics has led to the evolvement of various biomaterials as an alternative. These include ceramic dental implants, typically white and look more like a tooth than titanium.
Other metals, such as gold and cobalt-chromium, are also used in dental implants but have lower success rates than titanium. Furthermore, they have poorer resistance to corrosion and less durability.
Different methods to modify the surface of implants have shown improved biological outcomes. In particular, studies on grit-blasted, porous, and calcium phosphate sol-gel-derived thin films have demonstrated osteoinductive properties. In addition, using angulated or zygomatic implants can allow the insertion of implants in the posterior maxilla without sinus lifts, thereby reducing treatment time and improving patient satisfaction. Other advancements in implant materials include the development of custom implants using three-dimensional printing. These implants are designed to fit the patient’s bone and have better aesthetics than conventional implants.
Advances in Implant Techniques
Dental implant technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate. From advanced diagnostic imaging to computer-guided surgery, advances in implant materials and techniques are changing how dentists treat missing teeth.
In the past, when a dentist performed a dental implant case, they would take an analog impression of the patient’s mouth and send this to their lab for fabrication. While this worked for many patients, it was not a foolproof process.
This digital workflow makes it easier for dentists to plan for their implant cases and ensure that their patients have the best possible outcomes. This includes using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan technology and digital impressions to create surgical guides that make implant placement easier and more accurate.
In addition to making it easier for dental professionals to perform implant procedures, these new technologies also allow patients to receive their permanent restorations more quickly. This means less downtime and discomfort for patients and will enable patients to enjoy a more natural-looking smile for longer.
Advances in Implant Dentistry
Implants are a game-changing treatment option with impressive longevity and stunning aesthetics. Their success is due to an amalgamation of improved technology, materials and skilled professionals.
Digital scanning and design software help reduce the time it takes to manufacture implant components, speeding up the overall dental implant journey. New-age implant materials like zirconia and titanium offer greater durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Dental implant designs are increasingly natural-looking, closely resembling the appearance of healthy teeth. Smaller incisions and minimally invasive surgical techniques also minimize discomfort, allowing patients to recover faster.
Advanced implant treatments such as PRP therapy accelerate tissue healing and help bone regeneration. The latest regenerative materials can also enhance the final restoration’s quality, increasing its lifespan and performance. When replacing missing teeth, there is no better solution than dental implants. However, you must choose an experienced dentist with access to computer-enhanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and cutting-edge implant materials.
