The role of new dental technology in accomplishing better results

In oral implantology, like in many scientific fields, research is regularly undertaken to enhance the quality of dental implant treatments.

One area of this research is technology, and the expert team at leading Glasgow and Liverpool dental practice 3 Step Smiles stays up-to-date with the latest trends in order to provide the best possible service to their patients.   

3 Step Smiles’ head implant surgeon Dr Felix Price and implantology and periodontics expert Dr Blanca Crooke discuss the importance of ensuring their service keeps up with advances in dental science, in this informative article.   

"Advances in implantology enable us to perform safer and more predictable treatments."

Are current changes in oral implantology as significant as we read in the news?

Dr Blanca Crooke: “Absolutely. There’s an ongoing progression of advances and doctors have to remain constantly updated to be able to apply them in their day-to-day work and ensure patients benefit from these innovations.”

How can we make the most of these improvements?

“The crux lies in transitioning from conventional diagnostic methods and traditional planning to a fully digital approach. This transition extends to our surgical procedures, which are conducted in a navigated or guided manner, with a minimal margin of error.

“This, in turn, empowers us to undertake major surgeries within significantly shorter timeframes, while minimising postoperative impact.”

Is acquiring scans always imperative for dental implant procedures?

“It’s highly recommended. Unlike other X-rays that undergo magnification levels of about 25 per cent to 30 per cent, and produce two-dimensional images, scans provide a three-dimensional view. This crucial difference substantially reduces the risk of causing damage to nerves or anatomical structures such as the maxillary sinus.

“To prevent unwelcome surprises during surgery, obtaining a comprehensive scan of the patient's oral cavity is strongly advised.”

Do all implants have the same features?

Dr Felix Price: “They don´t - although all implants are crafted from grade 4 titanium, they undergo different surface treatments that enhance their integration with the bone.

“Besides, the anatomical structure of implants varies depending on each commercial brand. The need for versatility arises to accommodate each individual case, given that not all patients or teeth requiring restoration show identical characteristics.

“In areas with softer bone density, a different dental implant type is employed compared to areas with a thicker bone or post-extraction sockets. We normally recommend collaborating with brands offering products supported by in vitro and in vivo studies.

What happens in those cases where there isn’t enough bone? Have new techniques or products emerged?

“In cases involving significant bone loss, various procedures can be considered. There’s a wide range of implants that can be placed such as short implants, zygomatic implants, or even customised 3D implants (subperiosteal mesh), which seamlessly adapt to the patient's bone structure.

"Some of these solutions help patients undergo a short-term recovery enabling them to resume their daily routines shortly after the surgery as they can enjoy fixed teeth from the same day of the procedure.”

If you’d like to find out more information from 3StepSmiles, or to discuss your dentistry requirements, please call the team on 0151 808 0120 or visit www.3stepsmiles.co.uk.

To arrange a consultation with Dr Price for his internationally-renowned dental implantation expertise, visit his Top Doctors profile.

To arrange a consultation with Dr Crooke regarding your implantology or periodontic requirements, visit her Top Doctors profile today.