The role and responsibilities of referring dentists for esthetics demanding implant restored single tooth solutions

Abstract:

The increasing awareness of patients regarding medical benefits of implant anchored dentures is resulting in a steadily increasing demand for implant treatments. In case of esthetics challenges a referral of patients to surgically experienced colleagues is usually preferred by the general practitioner (GP). Not only this step, but also the production of the superstructure is assigned to a third party (dental laboratory). The outcome is a workflow which requires great cooperation between the referring dentist (= GP), the surgeon and the dental technician. Therefore, a clear and efficient way of communicating has to be implemented.

As the GP places the final superstructure, the patient usually assumes that the GP is the only person responsible for the quality of the treatment outcome. This should be taken into account in the distribution of responsibilities across the different team players referring dentist, surgeon and dental technician. Hence, the increasing popularity and use of immediate restoration concepts is particularly challenging because the different team players have to be coordinated preferably by the GP in order to achieve the best treatment possible.

Making the right choices with regards to implant and abutment types as well as applied materials for dentures also belongs to the GP’s responsibilities as patients turn to him for help in case of technical failure or repairs. The GP therefore is the patients’ first go-to person – and thus is considered responsible.

An example for the role and responsibilities of a referring dentist is demonstrated by an innovative therapy concept after single tooth loss at the esthetic zone. The basic idea is to shape the peri-implant soft tissue within the so called “Transition Zone” as soon as possible - like the root of the missing tooth has done before. This root replicate predictably causes a nature like emergence profile in the Transition Zone. Consequently, a time-effective and minimal invasive restorative procedure for the entire treatment team is created. It combines simplicity and patient specific design options for abutments and crowns - supported by a digital workflow. An advantageous application of this therapy concept is shown evidence based at immediate placed and restored implants for esthetics demanding single tooth solutions^{[1, 2]}.

 

Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• recognize the role and responsibilities for the referring dentist making the right choices for reliable and scientific proven implant components and restorative materials.
• grasp the importance of guarantee and the availability of spare parts of an implant system even after several decades.
• understand that implants placed in fresh extraction sockets have to have a sufficient primary stability for an immediate restoration creating a primary healing and a blood chamber for a complete ossification.
• understand the universal two appointments work-flow for implants replacing a lost single tooth.

References:

[1] Mainetti T, Lang NP, Bengazi F, Favero V, Soto Cantero L, Botticelli D.

Sequential healing at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets. An experimental study in dogs.

Clin Oral Implants Res. 2014 Dec 18.

 

[2] Weigl P, Strangio A.

The impact of immediately placed and restored single-tooth implants on hard and soft tissues in the anterior maxilla. Eur J Oral Implantol. 2016;9(2):89-106.