Unveiling the secrets of dental implant design
Dr Robert Stanley, the ‘Smile Engineer’ blends his wisdom and practical insights to uncover successful dental implant techniques that could change the way you practice dentistry.
In the ever-evolving landscape of dentistry, the pursuit of knowledge is not just a strategic advantage — it’s an absolute necessity. As a ‘smile engineer’ with a background in engineering and dentistry, I am thrilled to share insights that promise to transform the approach of fellow dentists toward elevating their practice.
Embarking on the exhilarating journey of implant dentistry can be compared to mastering the intricate game of Tetris – a cascade of knowledge that transforms data into wisdom.
Picture a patient in need on the precipice of losing a crucial tooth. We traumatically remove the afflicted tooth through a meticulously crafted sequence, utilising a type 4 surgical guide for precision. The implant, carefully selected for optimal design, seamlessly integrates into the void, setting the stage for rapid, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing restoration. This exemplar case underscores implant design’s pivotal role in preserving bone and soft tissue. As the ‘smile engineer,’ I’ve narrowed the complexity of dental implant success into four essential pillars, which will be fully unveiled in my The Four Cornerstones to Implant Success Masterclass’ on 10th-11th May in London.
Material Selection: Elevating Implants with Grade 23 Titanium
Material selection emerges as a cornerstone in implant design, prompting a passionate plea for adopting medical-grade titanium, specifically grade 23. Drawing inspiration from orthopaedic practices, I advocate for the strength and resilience of this material, challenging conventional choices for the betterment of implant longevity. Let’s consider the analogy of choosing golf clubs; if you discovered that an authentic titanium alloy could provide an extra 40% strength compared to a replica made from commercial-grade titanium, the choice becomes clear. This extra strength can be a game-changer in preventing failures and ensuring long-term success.
Biomechanical considerations: Beyond biology alone
Biomechanical considerations steal the spotlight as we confront the reality that mechanical failures often eclipse biological complications in prosthodontic issues. Real-world cases of screw breakage and implant fractures underscore the critical role of design flaws in compromising stability and durability. It’s time to broaden our focus beyond biology alone and acknowledge the substantial impact of mechanical factors on implant success. These failures are not merely reflections of patient habits but often stem from inherent design flaws. As dental practitioners, we must equip ourselves with the knowledge to address and mitigate these mechanical challenges.
The eight pillars of implant design
Navigating through the complexities of implant design, I will introduce eight key categories in my forthcoming lecture, with a special emphasis on materials and threads. Cyclic fatigue testing takes centre stage, unravelling the significance of thread designs like the buttress thread. To illustrate, envision an arrow piercing a target – an ingenious analogy portraying the compression of bone, a fundamental principle for optimal implant performance.
A call for transformation: Redefining our approach
In conclusion, this journey through dental implant design transcends conventional education. It offers a profound exploration of materials, threads, and biomechanics, encapsulating the understanding of a ‘smile engineer’. Together, let’s redefine our approach, embracing a transformative understanding that will shape the future success of our implant practices.
Implant Success Masterclass 2024
For dentists aspiring to elevate their practice and remain at the forefront of implant dentistry, attending Dr Stanley’s ‘The Four Cornerstones to Implant Success Masterclass’ will be a strategic move towards mastering the intricate art and science of dental implant design. Participants are invited to join Dr Stanley and the BioHorizons Camlog UK Team at the Royal Lancaster London for a three-course dinner on Friday, 10th May, at 7 pm. This is included in the lecture ticket price.
