Computer Guided Dentistry Trends in Dental Implantology
The leading internet based publication in dental implantology, Osso News, recently carried out an in-depth survey of its subscribers to provide a comprehensive understand of the role of computer-guided technology in the placement of dental implants.
With conventional implant treatment the procedure is often carried out by the dental surgeon through an intuitive approach, but the use of the latest 3D technology & diagnostic systems have significantly transformed the strategy which many dental surgeons take in constructing a treatment plan and caring out the dental implant procedure.
Developments in 3D Imaging Technologies
Significant developments in 3D imaging technologies, along with improved accessibility to advanced software which enables implants to be planned, ensuring far more precise and foreseen treatment plans to be determined which eradicate the vast majority of uncertainty. Such technology enables the dental surgeon carry out the dental implant procedure with far more certainty than was ever possible before, whilst providing improved level of information to the patient.
The survey found that just over half of the clinicians which took part in the survey do not currently use computer guided implant planning software, although three-quarters of these respondents do plan to invest in such equipment some time in the foreseeable future. Out of the practitioners who have access to this type of software, 4 out of 5 use the technology personally, rather than outsourcing the work to an independent consultant to plan the dental implant treatment.
Advantages of 3D Dental Implant Systems
The survey also unveiled evidence that even with studies indicating the substantial advantages of 3D imaging implant systems, such as CBCT systems (cone beam volumetric tomography system), ownership of such systems is still very low among the participants, with just over 1 fifth of those surveyed incorporating such technology in their clinics.
Only 22% of those surveyed currently owned such equipment. Although, over 40 percent of these participants are considering purchasing 3D imaging implant planning systems within the next 3 years. The principle factors mentioned with regard to investing in this type of technology were to enable enhanced planning and placement of dental implants as reported by the vast majority of respondents, with just over half of the practitioners surveyed recognising the need to provide patients with an improved understanding of the treatment which they are about to receive.
Purchasing Decisions for 3D Implant Planning Systems
Respondents to the survey also demonstrated strongly held opinions in respect of the factors which they regarded as being most significant in their decision to purchase a 3D imaging implant planning system. The support, training and customer service provided by the manufacturer of these of the system, were shown to be the most significant requirements, with exactly half of the participants indicating this as being a fundamental factor when selecting such a system.
With a great deal of recent media interest regarding the level of radiation which the patient is exposed to from implant planning systems, just over a third of participants also considered radiation dosage levels to be an important factor when selecting the system. Interestingly, the vast majority of respondents indicated that cost and selecting a system from a specific manufacture were not considered to be as important.
Technological advancements in 3D dental imaging systems are continuously being made; respondents to the survey indicated that the quality if the 3D image was a very important factor. Moreover, the ability to integrate the system with the existing dental software and equipment in the clinic was also considered to be a significant factor when purchasing a 3D imaging system.
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Author Bio:
DentalcarePlus.org.uk is one of the leading non-referral based denial implant providers in the UK with 4 dedicated implant clinics in the Southern England. They have invested heavily in the latest computer guided dentistry equipment to ensure a very high level of predictability and success rates for dental implants.
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