Outlook on Implants
- 3,000,000 estimated Americans with implants today
- 500,000 additional patients receiving implants annually
- An aging population serves as a driving force behind the rising demand for implant dentistry in the United States; by
- 2030 Americans ages 65 years and older will outnumber those 18 and under.
- 93% of implant cases in the United States use titanium implants.
- Zirconia implants are quickly gaining popularity. In some cases, zirconia is a preferable option due to its hypoallergenic nature, corrosion resistance, and more discreet esthetic appearance.
- 95-98% success rate of implant procedures.
- Most patients can expect their investment to last for decades, if not a lifetime.
- 200,000 Number of U.S. dentists
- 40,000 Number of U.S. dentists who place implants
3 More Ways to Invest in Your Implant Practice
Beyond the materials and components that enable surgical and restorative success it’s important to consider the supplemental solutions that can elevate your implant workflows and ensure better patient health outcomes.
Digital Imaging
The future of implant dentistry is digital, and it starts with taking advantage of advances in imaging technology. Practices can start by investing in digital intraoral sensors for 2D radiography, which can be powerful tools, especially when paired with today’s AI-driven diagnostic software. That said, CBCT is the true gold standard when it comes to implant diagnosis and treatment planning, as it provides the highest level of visual information in true-to-life 3D. Intraoral scanning also plays a starring role in modern implant workflows, facilitating fast, accurate fabrication of custom abutments and restorations.
CAD/CAM 7 3D Printing
Digital design and chairside manufacturing technologies are likewise revolutionizing implantology. CAD/CAM lets you design and mill custom abutments and implant-supported restorations right in your practice and on your own timeline, reducing dependency on labs and meeting patient preferences for convenient care. Adding 3D printing to the mix enables on-demand production of highly accurate surgical guides, models, and even temporary crowns and bridges. And given recent developments in materials science, it might not be long before 3D-printed permanent restorations and other implant components become the norm.
Hygiene & Maintenance
Implant therapy doesn’t end after you place the final restoration – long-term survival depends on preventing pre-implantitis and maintaining the health of surrounding teeth and gums. That’s why it’s essential to prioritize high-quality hygiene solutions. From implant-safe interproximal brushes, flossers, and rinses that help patients take care of their oral health between visits, to powered and hand instruments that allow team members to perform prophy and scaling procedures without damaging implant or restoration surfaces – these tools go a long way toward protecting both you and your patients’ investments in implant dentistry.
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