Dental Implant Team
Dental implants are currently among the more popular options for people who want to replace one or more missing teeth, and, if demographic trends are any indication, the number of people who choose dental implants is likely to increase as the population ages. It is estimated that about 30% of adults who are over the age of 65 have lost all of their natural teeth, and that loss of the teeth can begin as early as age 50 for many people. As the population of the United States continues to age, it is estimated that the percentage of people aged 65 or older will continue to increase; some estimates expect the number of older people to exceed 48 million by 2050. When combined with innovations in implant technology, which increase the comfort and convenience of dental implants while also simplifying the processes required to place them, the success rates and popularity of dental implants also continue to increase. These innovations, combined with an increasing number of people who need dental restorations, present dental professionals with an ever-growing opportunity to offer dental implants to patients who are looking for a stable, permanent, and attractive option for replacing one or more missing teeth. To execute a successful dental implant procedure, many dentists prefer to use a collaborative approach, working with specialists in different areas of dentistry to ensure the success of the implants and the satisfaction of the patient. The strength and cooperation of this dental implant team can make a world of difference in the outcome of dental implant treatment.
A dental implant team usually includes a general dentist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a restorative dentist, dental hygienists, dental assistants, laboratory technicians, and the office staff at each of these practices. Sometimes, endodontists or orthodontists may also be called on to be part of the dental implant team, if a patient’s needs are particularly complex and to guarantee a good outcome. The team must communicate effectively at every step of the treatment process, from planning to completion to maintenance. If a general dentist has been chosen to perform a patient’s implant surgery, that dentist is often also the restorative dentist. The restorative dentist is considered the coordinator of the dental implant team, and they should be thoroughly familiar with all surgical considerations, make referrals to team members as needed, coordinate treatment and treatment planning, and follow through with the team on the overall treatment plan. In advance of a dental implant procedure, planning and coordination will be managed primarily by the general dentist and the oral surgeon, as a team.
Dental hygienists who work on dental implants are familiar with the entirety of the dental implant treatment process, having observed implant procedures and discussed them with operating surgeons. Hygienists participate in continuing education courses that train them the methods used to maintain implants and inform them about innovations and trends in implant technology and available products. The team’s dental hygienist will determine the proper course of maintenance and instruct the patient in proper care and hygiene to follow their implant placement, communicating throughout with the other team members and referring the patient back to other team members as needed. Dental hygienists are also an integral part of dental implant treatment in terms of patient selection. Because dental hygienists work closely with patients over time, along with general dentists, they can be instrumental in helping patients determine whether they are good candidates for dental implants and can discuss dental implant treatments as a possibility when meeting with patients for routine checkups and cleanings. Dental hygienists and general dentists are likely to thoroughly understand the patient’s medical history and personality, which can help the patient make an informed decision before embarking on a treatment plan. In some cases, patients aren’t ideal candidates for dental implants, and dental hygienists are often aware of the medical issues or problematic habits or situations that contribute to this, allowing them to suggest to these patients that dental implants may not be the ideal solution for them. When patients are able to receive dental implants, the dental hygienist takes over as coordinator of maintenance for the patient, determining the frequency of return visits, conducting maintenance evaluations and cleanings, educating the patient about hygiene and oral health, coordinating x-rays, and communicating information to the rest of the team at agreed-upon intervals and as needed. Because the dental hygienist is cleaning the implants and also providing education about home maintenance for the patient, the hygienist should remain informed about any material innovations and provide information about the best cleaning materials and tools to the patient. If any problems are detected during maintenance, the dental hygienist can make an informed referral to the team member who can address the problem, keeping the team together as needed to ensure the long-term success of the patient’s dental implants.