Dentistry progresses every day. From new treatment protocols, to updated regulations, the profession is in a constant state of flux.
Leading this charge are the capabilities of digital dental solutions. Now, in almost every workflow, a clinician will use a number of technologies to enhance, simplify or streamline patient care.
This is especially true in implant dentistry. Understanding how digital solutions make a significant impact in today’s care is vital, and ensures patients can access the best possible treatment.
Digital imaging
Key aspects of dentistry that have been changed by digital solutions are the recording of impressions, imagery and radiography. Dental photography has advanced with the capabilities of modern cameras, recording greater detail and producing truer-to-life results, but the most helpful changes come with intraoral scanners and 3D solutions like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging.
Intraoral scanners have brought some advantages to the workflow over conventional impression taking counterparts, including a lower risk of distortion during impression taking and model fabrication, and increased patient comfort.[i] They also make the impression taking process quicker, with results almost instantly available to review. Studies find conventional impressions and digital impressions often produce comparable results, but patient preference may influence more clinicians to opt for the digital solution.i Clinician experience with digital impression taking and the suitability for each case should be considered prior to use.
With arguably an even greater impact, CBCT scanners have become a near irreplaceable aspect of modern implant dentistry. The ability to take an accurate 3D scan of the dentition and surrounding hard tissue structures, as well as nerve canals and similarly vital landmarks, is imperative for successful implant treatment. These radiographic solutions utilise typically low radiation doses, maintaining patient safety, whilst gathering information for presurgical diagnosis and treatment planning.[ii]
Planning and placement
The radiographic results from a CBCT scanner can be digitally collated to create a 3D dataset for computer-aided treatment planning in a dedicated software. Together, the digital solutions can be used in an integrated approach that prioritises biomechanical, functional and aesthetic targets for a predictable outcome that minimises complications.ii 3D results are preferred over 2D radiographic images in advanced cases as a clinician can better understand the anatomy of each individual patient. Unique bone structures, positioning of the existing dentition, and landmarks such as nerves or the sinuses will all influence a case,[iii] and it is in both the clinician’s and the patient’s best interests to collate as much information about them as possible.
Digital treatment planning creates new opportunities for clinicians to prepare for implant placement. Virtual patient simulations use 3D models that imitate the patient’s anatomy and allow clinicians to ‘perform’ the implant surgery digitally, giving the opportunity to identify potential challenges and rectify an unsuitable treatment approach ahead of time.iii
Another potential use is in the design and creation of surgical guides that aim to increase the predictability of treatment. These will typically require intraoral scans and CBCT data, informing the treatment plan in a digital platform.[iv] A surgical guide is created from this – potentially 3D printed, to highlight yet another digital aid that minimises laboratory turn-around times, as clinicians can assemble the solution in-house. The literature finds that a surgical guide can play a role in achieving distance deviation by <2mm (often <1mm) and angular deviation by <8º (most <5º).iv It will no doubt be a product of digital dentistry that many clinicians find valuable going forwards.
Skills come first
Digital solutions in implant dentistry are just one aspect of successful care. Developing confidence in your skills and knowledge is paramount, and you can find support through courses like the PG Diploma in Implant Dentistry from One to One Implant Education.
The PG Diploma in Implant Dentistry transforms novices into safe, competent clinicians who can treat a variety of cases. The course covers the entire workflow of implant design, placement and management, and prepares clinicians for care in the digital age. Led by Dr Fazeela Khan-Osborne, who uses a variety of digital solutions at her practice, The One To One Dental Clinic, dental professionals will engage in hands-on sessions and individualised mentoring for a complete education in gold standard implant dentistry.
As time passes, digital solutions will only become more important in successful implant care. Understanding and engaging with the current capabilities of these tools is important, to ensure you are ready for the next generation of digital implant workflows.
To reserve your place or to find out more, please visit
https://121implanteducation.co.uk or call 020 7486 0000
Author: Dr Fazeela Khan-Osborne is the founding clinician of the FACE dental implant multi-disciplinary team for the One To One Dental Clinic based on Harley Street, London. She has always had a passion and special interest in implant dentistry, particularly in surgical and restorative full arch rehabilitation of the maxilla. She has been involved in developing treatment modalities for peri-implantitis within clinical pract
Dr Khan-Osborne is also the Founding Course Lead for the One To One Education Programme, now in its 20th year. As a former Lead Tutor on the Diploma in Implant Dentistry course at the Royal College of Surgeons (England), she lectures worldwide on implant dentistry and is an active full member of the Association of Dental Implantology, the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
[i] Albanchez-Gonzalez, M. I., Brinkmann, J. C. B., Pelaez-Rico, J., Lopez-Suarez, C., Rodriguez-Alonso, V., & Suarez-Garcia, M. J. (2022). Accuracy of digital dental implants impression taking with intraoral scanners compared with conventional impression techniques: A systematic review of in vitro studies. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(4), 2026.
[ii] Jacobs, R., Salmon, B., Codari, M., Hassan, B., & Bornstein, M. M. (2018). Cone beam computed tomography in implant dentistry: recommendations for clinical use. BMC oral health, 18(1), 88.
[iii] Saini, R. S., Bavabeedu, S. S., Quadri, S. A., Gurumurthy, V., Kanji, M. A., Kuruniyan, M. S., … & Heboyan, A. (2024). Impact of 3D imaging techniques and virtual patients on the accuracy of planning and surgical placement of dental implants: A systematic review. Digital health, 10, 20552076241253550.
[iv] Shi, Y., Wang, J., Ma, C., Shen, J., Dong, X., & Lin, D. (2023). A systematic review of the accuracy of digital surgical guides for dental implantation. International journal of implant dentistry, 9(1), 38.
