Dental implants have become an increasingly preferred treatment for patients over the last few years, with more than 3 million implants being placed in the USA during 2019 – before the Covid-19 pandemic caused a market-wise downturn in 2020. However, this is a procedure that is expected to make a sharp recovery over the next two years and then continues in growth (with its historical growth trend of 6-7% year-over-year).
Due to advances in technology allowing for higher implant reliability and greater precision, implant placement procedures can be conducted without highly specialised training. With more dentists able to provide implants, they will be more accessible to more patients. In addition, there will be a continuing drive in exciting transformations within the implant market over the next few years and beyond. With the future invested in the advancement of technology, here we look into the potential trends for dental implants in the 2020s..
Robotics
During current implant surgery, a surgical guide is positioned to aid the dentist in navigating the drill. However, these aren’t always entirely accurate and could be ill-fitted or not seated perfectly, which could lead to incorrect angulation. It can also be quite uncomfortable for a patient. In addition to this, guided implant surgery can create limitations leaving the dentist unable to change direction during the procedure. So could robots be the answer?
Robotic technology could provide an alternative approach to dental implant surgery, by providing the dentist with accurate plans and exact imagery of anatomical features, like surrounding teeth and bone, sinus cavities, and nerves, which would give a more comprehensive overview prior to the procedure. During the surgery a robotic arm and drill would be constrained in place and be able to give multisensory feedback, this would allow the dentist flexibility and total control over drill position, angulation, and depth with the robotic initially establishing a precise position. This advanced form of technology is minimally invasive and due to its provision of clear guidance and visualization, the dentist could work more accurately ensuring less pain and a faster recovery for the patient.
3D Printing
Another form of advanced technology that is cost-effective. Using machinery and blueprints to literally print out the perfect implants for the individual patient’s mouth. With more dentists set to be able to provide implants and 3D printing being affordable to maintain, this could increase the availability of dental implants to a wider number of patients and ever before.
Nanotechnology
In its simplest form, Nanotechnology controls atoms and molecules individually. This could be a game-changer within the dentistry industry. Dentists could have the ability to implant nanotechnology into a patient’s mouth in order to prevent and decrease the risk of infection, because nanoparticles used in implants would allow for a smoother surface, reducing the risk of bacteria.
Conclusion
The future of dental implants is focused around technology – robots and 3D printers, as well as inclusive dentists who aren’t afraid of moving forward through the 2020s and using the technological advances for their patient’s benefit. You can learn more about dental implants, including the different types, the current procedures, and more at Bhandal Dental Implants – who have fitted more than 4,400 implants to date!
