Title : Digital implantology: Using digital workflows for improved & predictable implant cases
Abstract:
In 2025, technology has become ingrained in the practice of dentistry. Digital dentistry is in some way incorporated into almost every practice, whether it is an intraoral scanner, a CBCT, digital x-rays, AI diagnostic x-ray technology, the list goes on & on. With regards to implantology, more & more implants are being placed every year. Specialists are still placing an increasing number of implants, but the number of general dentists like myself placing implants is increasing rapidly every year. Being able to utilize the available technology & digital workflows can help all practitioners, specialist or GP alike, to achieve ideal results with reduced surgical times & increased predictability. This lecture will demonstrate prosthetically driven planning that can systematically lead to predictable results, from the extraction of a tooth up to the final restoration. This includes all aspects of the case including grafting & augmentation needs. Practitioners will know before they even place the implant if the restoration will be screw-retained or cement retained, & they will be able to plan accordingly for either. Different techniques will be discussed that can all lead to results that would be difficult to achieve using only freehand placement & stock components. Technology does not & should not replace appropriate training & knowledge of implantology, but once you have that foundation it is a tool that can help you immensely. The technology available when used accordingly helps make it easier to achieve world class results, & most of the work can be done before the patient is in the chair.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Explain the implant process from placement to restoration.
- Explain the benefit of utilizing digital dentistry to guide your implant planning, the surgical case, and the restorative aspect.
- Show the accuracy of the digital process.
- How the digital workflow can help all aspects, including the need for bone grafting, soft tissue esthetics, & even incision design.
- Discuss practical ways that practitioners that do not have access to a CBCT or an intraoral scanner can still execute cases with a high degree of accuracy. This will save time clinically & reduce clinician stress & margin of error.
