Dental Implant Team
Dental implants are currently considered to be the most secure, long-lasting, and convenient option for people who are seeking to replace one or more missing teeth, and, in the future, as the US population continues to age and as implant technologies remain at the cutting edge of dentistry, dental implants are likely to continue to increase in popularity. One of the most appealing features of dental implants is their longevity, followed closely by their natural feel and appearance; these characteristics are both largely attributable to the attention and care implant patients receive from their dental implant team. A dental implant team includes the patient, of course, along with a general dentist, a surgeon, and many other team members who are in place to provide treatment options and information and to ensure patient satisfaction and implant success over the long term. With knowledge and effective communication, a dental implant team helps the dental implant procedure meet or exceed all patient expectations.
The number of dental implant procedures performed annually has increased significantly since their introduction into the field of dentistry just a few decades ago. As technologies have continued to improve, the success rate of dental implants has reached more than 90 percent, with millions of contented patients enjoying the long-term benefits of a stable, comfortable dental restoration option. Part of the success of dental implants lies in the technology itself; implants are tiny cylindrical posts made of biocompatible material that fuses with bone. That means that the bone heals around the implant and bonds with it, creating a secure root for a dental restoration that can withstand the forces of biting and chewing while still looking natural and feeling comfortable. It takes a team of experts to make sure dental implants are attractive, comfortable, safe, and stable and to ensure their longevity.
Dental implant treatment begins with a consultation between the patient and their dentist. If your dentist isn’t a restorative dentist, you may add a restorative dental professional to your team, though many general dentists are. An oral or maxillofacial surgeon will be consulted and added to the team, combining to make sure you have a painless procedure and a comfortable recovery. Before implants can be placed, you may need to see a periodontist to treat gum disease, and some patients may be referred to their general practitioner to address health concerns that might affect implant success. In most cases, however, a complete dental team consists of an oral or maxillofacial surgeon, a restorative dentist, a dental hygienist, dental assistants, lab technicians, the business staff in the dental offices, and whatever dental specialists may be recommended for specific clinical needs. Communication among team members is the key to treatment success.
For most implant treatments, the restorative dentist initially takes on the role of team coordinator and communicates clearly with the patient, the most important team member of all. This dentist will understand all surgical considerations for the procedure and will direct referrals to appropriate team members when needed. This lead dentist understands the overall treatment plan and the desired outcomes, coordinating the surgery and restorative treatments and orchestrating the overall procedure. Dental implant treatment takes a relatively long time to complete; there is usually a lapse of several months wherein the bone surrounding the implants is healing and fusing to the implant, and the dental crown or other permanent prosthetic cannot be safely placed until the bone has fully healed. When there are pre-existing conditions that must be addressed before implants can be placed, like periodontitis or low bone density, treatment and healing from these procedures adds to the overall timeline of the procedure. Your lead dentist will work with you throughout the procedure, monitoring your healing before okaying further treatment, and monitoring your recovery as you enjoy your new dental implants.
Once your implants have healed, your dentist’s dental hygienist may take over as team coordinator for your dental implant team. Your dental hygienist is, in many ways, the liaison between you and the team. If your dental hygienist discovers something unusual during your routine cleaning, they will alert your dentist and the other members of your implant team, as needed, to treat the problem. Dental hygienists take continuing education courses on proper maintenance of dental implants, and they are an instrumental part of the life of the dental implant. Dental hygienists also play a key role in patient selection, as they are often the person patients establish a relationship with over their years of care, making them well-versed in knowing who might be a good candidate for dental implants. During the maintenance stage that follows implant placement, dental hygienists will routinely clean the implant crowns with specialized tools that remove dental calculus while protecting the surface of the crown, and they can provide instruction and recommendations for effective home hygiene, so make sure to visit your dentist regularly and brush and floss your new teeth daily; remember, the team won’t win without you.