Challenges in the Placement of Dental Implants and Managing Them in General Dentistry

Jeffrey Braithwaite^*
*Correspondence: Jeffrey Braithwaite, Department of Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Email:

Keywords

General dentistry • Dental implants • Implant maintenance

Introduction

Patient selection

The success of dental implants relies heavily on proper patient selection. Patients with systemic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis, may have compromised bone quality and quantity, which can lead to implant failure. Other factors that can affect the success of dental implants include smoking, poor oral hygiene, and a history of periodontal disease. In order to ensure the success of dental implants, it is important to carefully evaluate patients prior to implant placement. This includes a thorough medical history, clinical examination, and radiographic evaluation. Patients who have systemic diseases that may affect implant success should be managed appropriately prior to implant placement. Additionally, patients who smoke or have poor oral hygiene should be counseled on the importance of quitting smoking and maintaining good oral hygiene [1].

Literature Review

Implant placement

Implant placement is a critical aspect of the success of dental implants. Placement of dental implants requires a detailed understanding of the patient's anatomy, bone quality, and bone quantity. Factors that can affect implant placement include the thickness of the cortical bone, the angulation of the implant, and the distance between the implant and adjacent teeth or structures. One of the challenges in implant placement is achieving adequate primary stability. Primary stability is the initial mechanical stability of the implant within the bone. If primary stability is not achieved, the implant may fail to integrate with the surrounding bone, resulting in implant failure. Factors that can affect primary stability include bone density, implant design, and surgical technique. To ensure successful implant placement, it is important to carefully plan implant placement using radiographic evaluation and surgical guides. Additionally, surgical techniques such as the use of osteotomes, bone grafting, and sinus lift procedures may be necessary to achieve adequate bone quantity and quality and to ensure adequate primary stability [2].

Implant maintenance

Implant maintenance is essential to the long-term success of dental implants. Implants require regular maintenance to prevent peri-implant disease and to ensure that the implant is functioning properly. Peri-implant disease, which includes peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, can lead to implant failure if left untreated. Regular maintenance of dental implants includes regular check-ups, oral hygiene instruction, and professional cleaning. Patients with implants should be counseled on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Additionally, patients with implants should be advised to avoid chewing on hard objects, which can cause damage to the implant [3].

Complications

Complications associated with dental implants can include implant failure, peri-implantitis, implant fracture, and nerve injury. Implant failure can occur due to a variety of factors, including poor implant placement, inadequate primary stability, and peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the soft and hard tissues surrounding dental implants. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to implant failure. Implant fracture can occur due to excessive occlusal forces or poor implant design. Nerve injury can occur during implant placement, resulting in temporary or permanent loss of sensation. To manage complications associated with dental implants, it is important to identify and treat them early. Treatment may include implant removal, debridement of the implant site, or placement of a bone graft. Additionally, patients should be counselled on the importance of regular maintenance and the potential risks associated with dental implants. General dentistry is a vital branch of dentistry that provides primary oral care to patients of all ages. The goal of general dentistry is to maintain and promote optimal oral health, prevent dental diseases, and diagnose and treat any dental problems that may arise [4].

Discussion

One of the primary services provided by general dentists is routine dental exams. During these exams, the dentist will assess the patient's overall oral health, including the teeth, gums, and jawbone. They will look for any signs of dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Regular dental exams are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing serious dental problems from developing. Another important aspect of general dentistry is preventative care. General dentists provide education and guidance on how to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, and offer advice on a healthy diet to promote overall oral health. They may also provide preventative treatments such as fluoride applications and dental sealants to protect the teeth from decay. General dentists are also responsible for diagnosing and treating dental problems. They may perform procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions to treat dental cavities, infected or damaged teeth, and other dental problems. In addition, general dentists can provide restorative treatments such as crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore damaged or missing teeth [5].

Another important aspect of general dentistry is the management of gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health problem that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems if left untreated. General dentists can diagnose and treat gum disease in its early stages, preventing further damage and promoting overall oral health. In addition to these services, general dentists may also provide cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, and orthodontic treatment. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth and smile, and general dentists may offer these treatments to help patients achieve a more confident and attractive smile [6].

Conclusion

In conclusion, general dentistry plays a critical role in maintaining optimal oral health and promoting overall well-being. General dentists offer a wide range of services, including routine dental exams, preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of dental problems, management of gum disease, and cosmetic dentistry. By visiting a general dentist regularly and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, patients can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for a lifetime.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Khangura, Sara, Kristin Konnyu, Rob Cushman and Jeremy Grimshaw, et al. "Evidence summaries: The evolution of a rapid review approach." Syst Rev 1 (2012): 1-9.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Domingo, Christian and Laura Vigil. "Effectiveness of unattended ambulatory sleep studies for the diagnosis and treatment of OSAS." J Eval Clin Pract 17 (2011): 26-31.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Tassery, H., B. Levallois, E. Terrer and D. J. Manton, et al. "Use of new minimum intervention dentistry technologies in caries management." Aust Dent J 58 (2013): 40-59.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Frencken, Jo E. "Minimal intervention dentistry for managing dental caries–a review: Report of a FDI task group." Int Dent J 62 (2012): 223-243.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Schwendicke, Falk, Jo E. Frencken, Lars Bjørndal and Marisa Maltz, et al. "Managing carious lesions: Consensus recommendations on carious tissue removal." Adv Dent Res 28 (2016): 58-67.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

6. Hayes, Martina. "Minimal intervention dentistry and older patient’s part 2: Minimally invasive operative interventions." Dent Update 41 (2014): 500-505.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at