Dental Implant Team
In light of the rising number of aging Americans in the United States, along with the ever-growing popularity of dental implants, the future is nearly certain to bring an increase in the number and variety of dental implant therapies. On average, approximately 30 percent of older adults are missing many or all of their natural teeth, and, thanks to technological and clinical developments in implant therapies, dental implants are an ideal way for many of these patients to replace one or more missing teeth. Innovations in dental implant technology have simplified the implant procedure, making dental implants an increasingly affordable, convenient, and beneficial restoration option for many patients. While the dental implant procedure has been streamlined, effective communication among the dental implant team is of the utmost importance to ensure the success of the implant therapy and the comfort and well-being of the patient.
Depending on the procedures each patient requires, a number of clinical professionals make up a dental implant team. These professionals include a surgeon, who may be either a general dentist or a dental surgery specialist; a restorative dentist; a dental hygienist; dental assistants; lab technicians; business staff; and any other dental professionals that may be needed, like an orthodontist or an endodontist. One of these professionals assumes the role of team leader, ensuring that each team member is communicating effectively with one another and with the patient throughout the treatment process. In many cases, the surgeon or restorative dentist is the team coordinator immediately before and during the surgery, while the dental hygienist plays a more significant role at the beginning of implant therapy and as the patient recovers. It is beneficial for dental hygienists to improve their knowledge of implant therapies, which they can do by observing dental implant surgery and participating in continuing education programming. Because dental hygienists have the opportunity to develop relationships with patients over the years, hygienists and general dentists are thoroughly familiar with the patient’s medical history and hygiene habits, which helps them understand whether dental implants are a good option for the patient. In some cases, patients have medical conditions or habits that may increase the risks of implant failure, and dental hygienists tend to be more familiar with these idiosyncrasies, making them instrumental in the initial stages of consultation and treatment. Once it has been determined that dental implant treatment is appropriate for the patient, the dental hygienist communicates extensively with the patient and introduces them to educational information and tools that will help prepare them for the procedure.
At the initial consultation for dental restoration treatments, you and your dentist and other members of your team will review your options and develop a customized plan for your dental implant therapy. One of the first steps in treatment is to assess the health of the jaw with x-rays; in some cases, additional imaging technologies, like 3D x-rays or computer-generated surgical previews, may be necessary. Following the completion of the implant surgery, dentists recommend at least 6 weeks to allow the bone to begin to fuse with the implant, in a process known as osseointegration. Osseointegration can take several months to complete, but it is integral to the success of the dental implant procedure, allowing the implant to successfully and stably anchor the dental restoration into the jaw. Many patients will receive a temporary false tooth that they can use while their implant heals; once the implant has satisfactorily fused to the bone, your dentist will craft and place the final crown, matching the restoration to the color of the surrounding natural teeth. Your implant team will continue to communicate with each other as your implant heals and as you recover from the implant procedure and get used to your new dental restoration. Your dental hygienist will assess your overall oral health, including the health and healing of your implant, at each visit, the frequency of which will be determined by the dental implant team. If needed, followup x-rays or periodontal examinations may also be conducted, and all findings will be shared among team members. The dental hygienist will also educate the patient to inform them of hygiene maintenance options, some of which may be specially designed for use with implants. Dental implants require the same meticulous oral hygiene as natural teeth, as the health of the gums and bone is of major importance in the overall health of the periodontium. Patients may choose to use a power toothbrush or a manual toothbrush to clean the gums, gumline, tongue, and soft oral tissues, and there are a variety of interdental cleaning aids designed for different clinical needs. Patients should expect to brush twice daily and to clean between the teeth daily, in addition to receiving periodic professional cleanings at follow-up visits and regular dental checkups.