Author: Dr. Carol Somerville President of BACD
Whilst implants can provide patients with a new lease of life, it is vital to promote good oral hygiene following treatment and to educate patients about effective aftercare solutions. This helps to reduce the risk of disease and prolongs the lifespan of the implant, resulting in greater patient confidence, satisfaction and trust in dental practices.
Fluctuating trends
Edentulism is characterised as the final stage of untreated dental caries or disease, but can also be caused by physical trauma, leading to tooth loss.[i]
Whilst the prevalence of edentulism is decreasing across populations in high-income countries, the opposite trend can be observed in low-income nations due to a rise of untreated caries and disease.[ii] This is largely attributed to limited access to dental care and hygiene products, as well as the absence of fluoride in drinking water.
Medical concerns & mental well-being
The World Health Organization categorises edentulism as a disability,[iii] as tooth loss can cause a variety of debilitating medical issues from discomfort to increased rates of chronic inflammation.
Patients suffering with chronic gingival disease are also more likely to suffer from other health conditions such as non-insulin-dependent diabetes[iv] and kidney disease.[v] Additionally, they are at an increased risk of developing chronic vitamin deficiencies[vi] due to difficulty consuming a varied diet including fruit and vegetables.
The absence of an aesthetically pleasing smile not only has the potential to impact a patient’s medical health, but can also have a devastating effect on mental well-being. Many sufferers of tooth loss feel self-conscious and even ashamed to laugh or smile in public which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.[vii]
Restored function
Dental implants have a variety of benefits for those suffering from partial or complete edentulism. They also foster a healthier and more positive outlook for individuals who may have previously felt discouraged or overwhelmed about their oral health. Studies indicate that about 58% of edentulous people experience difficulties accepting tooth loss.[viii]
Potential complications
Promoting both short- and long-term aftercare is essential to ensure dental implants last their intended lifespan. It also fosters a healthier and more positive outlook for individuals who may have previously felt discouraged or overwhelmed about their oral health.
Dental implants have the potential to last as long as natural teeth, but boast an average lifespan of around 10-15 years.[ix] Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious complications for dental implant patients such as peri-implantitis which is a destructive infection of the soft tissue and progressive loss of bone around the implant.vii
Long-term aftercare is key
Peri-implantitis is usually very preventable with adequate oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices. Educating patients about the importance of long-term aftercare following implant surgery is essential to both the lifespan of the implants and the overall health and well-being of the patient.
According to Perussolo, J & Donos, N. (2024),[x] some of the key points to discuss with your patient include:
Patient awareness: Ensure the patient understands that while implants offer a long-term solution to edentulism, their effectiveness depends on consistent home aftercare. For most cases of implant failure, the primary cause is plaque accumulation due to lack of plaque management by the patient.[xi] Ensuring that the patient fully understands that implants are not an alternative to proper dental care and hygiene is key in the prevention of disease and the potential failure of the implants.xii
Informing patients about possible complications: Dentists should explain the risks of peri-implantitis and its symptoms to help patients to seek treatment where necessary.
Encouraging oral hygiene and healthy choices: Patient-performed plaque control is vital. Recommend regular brushing, flossing, and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and reducing sugar intake.
Encouraging regular check-ups: Professional plaque biofilm removal is another primary preventive measure. Ensuring that the patient attends the clinic for regular plaque removal can greatly reduce the risk of disease.xi
These preventive measures all involve a level of patient awareness and cooperation which should be encouraged by dentists.
How can the BACD help?
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) offers access to a sprawling network of dental professionals, educational programmes and mentoring.
Part of the BACD’s services include career support for dentists and exclusive educational courses to help dental professionals improve their skills via continuing professional development (CPD) courses, and to help dentists stay on trend with topics such as implant aftercare.
Encouraging good patient aftercare is not only beneficial to the patient, it can also enhance the reputation and success of a dental practice:
- Improved patient outcomes lead to higher satisfaction and increased word-of-mouth referrals.
- Fewer complications mean reduced emergency visits and more predictable treatment results.
- Stronger patient relationships foster trust and loyalty, increasing the likelihood of long-term engagement.
- Professional credibility is reinforced when patients see their dentist as a proactive partner in their health journey.[xii]
By embedding aftercare education into implant treatment plans, dentists can cultivate a practice culture centred on excellence, prevention, and patient empowerment. This, in turn, enhances the practice’s reputation and supports growth.
For further information and enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.bacd.com
[i] Al-Rafee. (2020). The epidemiology of edentulism and the associated factors: A literature Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7346915/
[ii] Tyrovolas, S, Koyanagi A,, Danagiotakos,B,, Hero, J, Kassebaum N,, Chrepa, V, & Kotsakis, G. (2016). Population prevalence of edentulism and its association with depression and self-related health. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep37083
[iii] College of General Dentistry. (2025). The edentulous patient: the impact of implants on quality of life https://cgdent.uk/2024/09/06/the-edentulous-patient-the-impact-of-implants-on-quality-of-life/
[iv] Ziukaite, L, Weijdijk, L, Tang, J, Slot, D. (2023). Edentulism among diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic controls: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/idh.12762
[v] Kaymaz, K, Brunet-Llobet, L, Rocha-Eiroa, M, Rarmirez-Ramiz, A, Abdi, M, Mashala, E, Miranda-Rius, J. (2024) Patient-related factors that link chronic kidney disease and periodontitis: a scoping review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12178986/
[vi] Elham Emami, Raphael Freitas de Souza, Marla Kabawat, Jocelyn S. Feine. (2013). The impact of edentulism on Oral and General Health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3664508/
[vii] University of Sheffield. (2024). Hidden challenges of tooth loss and dentures revealed in new study. https://sheffield.ac.uk/news/hidden-challenges-tooth-loss-and-dentures-revealed-new-study#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20from%20the,hidden%20disability’%20for%20some%20wearers
[viii] Sah, R, Diwan, F, Diwan, M, Chauhan, V, Agrawal, H, Patel, G. (2015). A study on the emotional effects of tooth loss in an edentulous Gujarati population and its association with depression.
[ix] Harley Street Specialist Hospital. (2024). How long do dental implants last? https://hssh.health/blog/how-long-do-dental-implants-last/
[x] Perussolo, J & Donos, N. (2024). Maintenance of peri-implant health in general dental practice. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-024-7406-8?fromPaywallRec=true
[xi] De Araújo Nobre M A, Maló P. (2014). The influence of rehabilitation characteristics in the incidence of peri-implant pathology: a case-control study.
[xii] Ho, J, Chai, H, Lo, E, Huang, M, Chu, C. (2024). Strategies for Effective Dentist-Patient Communication : A Literature Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11225999/
