Implant therapy is becoming more and more prevalent, and unfortunately, so is peri-implant disease. Many in the profession are realizing that we need to do more to help ensure better implant outcomes for our patients. In this month's special issue on implants, Inside Dentistry examines some of the profession's efforts to take implant therapy to the next level.
Regarding preplacement considerations, in our interview with Edward J. Zuckerberg, DDS, he emphasizes the importance of conducting salivary diagnostics to inform both patient selection and ongoing management. In our interview with Ole Jensen, DDS, MS, he explains the importance of selecting implants and prosthetic components with superior fit to reduce the potential for bacterial ingress. He also discusses the development of bactericidal implant coatings. In our interview with Richard J. Miron, DDS, MSc, PhD, he explains how the use of PRF can not only improve healing of the soft tissue and bone but also close gaps to keep out bacteria. Overall, Jensen suggests that we need to acknowledge that many times, we're just putting implants in or restoring them improperly and that we need to raise the standard of care.
One force that's improving the accuracy of implant treatment and reducing complications is digital technology. Previously, I was still using some analog protocols for my implant treatments, but after using a fully digital workflow for some time now, I can't imagine doing anything analog, especially all-on-X cases. In a moment of self-reflection, I realized that with my analog protocols, I may have been turning some potentially FP1 patients into FP3 patients, so the precision of digital planning has also allowed me to be more conservative. With technologies such as CBCT, intraoral scanning, photogrammetry, and facial scanning informing digital treatment planning, it's basically like having a virtual patient in front of you. This month's case report by Isaac Tawil, DDS, MS, and Michael Erdos, DDS, is a perfect example.
Other implant-focused articles in this month's issue include a CE on the influence of medications on implant outcomes, a perspective on preventing or mitigating complications in all-on-X cases, and more. I hope you enjoy it!
Robert C. Margeas, DDS
Editor-in-Chief, Inside Dentistry
Private Practice, Des Moines, Iowa
Adjunct Professor • Department of Operative Dentistry
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
robert.margeas@conexiant.com
