Understanding the Implant Team

The implementation of dental implants involves various practice models:

Offices that surgically place implants Offices that restore implants Offices that both place and restore implants

Within these models, we find different team structures:

"Super dentists" who handle both surgical placement and restoration In-house teams combining surgeons with prosthodontists or general dentists

Collaborative partnerships between specialists who focus on their specific disciplines

The complete implant team typically includes:

Oral surgeon or periodontist Restorative dentist Implant representative Laboratory technicians Insurance coordinators Digital coordinators Dental hygienists And most importantly, the patient

The Implant Process

Phase 1: Pre-Planning and Consultation

The process begins with comprehensive digital workflow, including:

CBCT scans

Digital impressions

Treatment planning software

Cost analysis

Patient presentation

Placement Options Immediate Load

Extraction and implant placement on the same day

Temporary prosthetic placed immediately

Ideal for suitable cases with good bone quality

Delayed Two-Step Process

Takes up to nine months

Recommended for compromised bone cases

Involves extraction, potential grafting, and healing period

Followed by implant placement and integration period

Final restoration after complete healing

Risk Factors and Success Rates

Controllable Risk Factors:

Smoking

Oral hygiene

Prosthetic design

Surgical technique

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

History of periodontal disease

Compromised health

Foreign body rejection

Bone quality

Medications

Age-related factors

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

For Healthy Implants:

Regular check-ups every 3-6 months

Electric toothbrush use

Water flosser

Antimicrobial rinse

Specialized brushes and floss

For Cases with Mucositis:

More frequent monitoring

Enhanced home care routine

Two-week follow-up to check inflammation

Regular maintenance every 2-3 months

Advanced Cases (Peri-implantitis):

Requires specialist intervention

More intensive maintenance protocol

Regular communication with periodontist

Possible surgical intervention

Key Takeaways for Long-Term Success

Prevention is crucial—focus on biofilm control rather than treating existing problems

Patient education and motivation are essential

Regular monitoring and maintenance are vital

Use appropriate, biocompatible instruments and materials

Maintain clear communication between all team members

Remember: Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

The key is motivating patients to maintain their oral health while using safe, biocompatible instruments and medicaments in professional care.

About the Author

Lynn Pencek is a clinical dental hygienist with extensive experience in the dental implant industry, having worked with leading companies including Nobel Biocare, Biolase, and HuFreidy.

She owns Practice at Your Best LLC and brings a unique perspective combining clinical expertise with industry knowledge.

For more information, visit www.practiceatyourbest.com or contact [email protected]