Principles of Dental Implant Placement for the Generalist
That was the title to the 3 hour implant lecture I presented at the Michigan Dental Association Winter Scientific Session on Saturday, January 21, 2012. There were approximately 85 dentists in the audience and from a show of hands, about 15% of those in attendance currently place implants in their private practice. Another 15% indicated that implants were not a routine method of tooth replacement in their practices. The rest of the audience indicated they routinely diagnose and restore implants for their patients.
The lecture reviewed the basic concepts of dental implant placement and the treatment planning aspects that can effect the success of treatment. Aspects of implant prosthetic techniques including impressions using abutment and implant level impression copings as well as the differences betweeen anterior and posterior implant abutment designs were covered. Clinical cases from my practice were then presented stimulating some excellent questions from the audience. Next we reviewed the options available for generalists to pursue additional implant education and credentials. Implant CE requirements as well as case documentation and testing involved with credentialling were reviewed.
The afternoon session covered the All-On-4 treatment option for the edentulous patient and the prosthetic steps involved in restoring these cases. Typical lab costs for restoring these cases as well as comparison to the 2-4 implant overdenture option was presented.
My reasons for presenting these materials were to reinforce the following concepts:
1. the scientifically documented superiority of dental implants compared to toothborne prosthetics for functional restoration
2. the treatment planning concepts needed for success to aid both those placing and those only restoring implants
3.the necessity of offering an implant treatment option for restoring the edentulous jaw
4. the training necessary for generalists to start placing implants and the risk management aspects involved with doing this in the general practice
I believe the program was successful in achieving these goals and I look forward to presenting on this topic again at the Michigan Dental Association Annual Meeting in 2013. If you are interested in scheduling a similar presentation for your study group or society, please feel free to contact me!
Dr. Panek
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