Supporting patients through dental implant treatment

23 October 2024

A survey[i] in which patients self-reported the number of natural teeth in their mouth has revealed some interesting information about the prevalence of missing teeth in England. It showed that adults between 25 and 34 reported having an average of 28 natural teeth. This declined with age, with adults aged 75 and over reporting a mean of 19 natural teeth. The survey also reported the percentage of adults with restorations including fixed bridges (7%), dentures (11%), and dental implants (5%).

It is important that clinicians are equipped to discuss treatment options for missing teeth with their patients, and ensure they provide them with the best long-term solution in each individual case. Practitioners must also be able to communicate treatment options clearly. This ensures patients are informed about their choices, and understand the implications for their dental health and the role they play in maintaining their health following treatment.

 

Offering patients solutions for missing teeth

There are a number of potential solutions for patients with missing teeth. As with any clinical situation, doing nothing is always an option. However, it is important that patients understand that keeping the gap may cause the bone to thin in the area over time, having implications for surrounding teeth, and potentially making future treatments more difficult and costly.

Bridges can be a good solution for some patients. They are more secure and comfortable than dentures, and can be placed more quickly than dental implants. However, it is important that patients understand that bridges do not last very long (approx. five years[ii]), and that preparing the neighbouring teeth for crowns may damage them.

Dentures may also be a suitable option for many patients. They help to restore smile aesthetics and function, but patients should be aware that they can be uncomfortable, with many people taking time to adjust to wearing them.[iii]

Dental implant treatment offers patients a long-term solution for missing teeth (lasting over 10 years[iv]). Treatment can vary depending on the number of teeth the patient is missing, with a number of options available in terms of treatment approach, implant type, and restoration material. All of these factors can impact treatment duration and cost, and should be discussed with the patient to ensure they understand.

 

Supporting patients in decision making

Clinicians should feel comfortable exploring treatment options with patients, and offering advice and recommendations to help them come to the right decision for them and their long-term oral health. Patients are likely to have lots of questions about each procedure, and some may feel apprehensive about factors such as pain and recovery time, particularly when it comes to surgical options like dental implants. Additionally, patients need to be aware of what will be required of them to maintain their oral health following treatment, so it is vital that practitioners explain the importance of good oral hygiene and regular check-ups to reduce the risk of complications and treatment failure. A key concern for patients who choose to undergo implant treatment is preventing peri-implantitis, as this may result in the loss of the implant. Therefore, good oral hygiene will help patients to protect their investment long-term.

 

Empowering patients

Some patients may feel unsure of which treatment type to choose, if any. As such, it can be helpful to provide patients with resources to explore in their own time, enabling them to form their own questions and discuss various treatments with family and friends. This enables patients to consider each option carefully, and come back to you for advice when they have a better understanding – helping you to better support them in their treatment journey.

When you become a member of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI), you gain access to a wide range of patient support resources, including 50 free copies of the ‘Considering Dental Implants?’ patient leaflet, to enable you to provide the best possible patient care. The leaflet is a patient’s guide to dental implant treatment, explaining what they are, who is suitable, and what to expect from the procedure itself. It explores common myths about dental implant treatment, to help put patients’ minds at ease, and discusses how to take care of implants long-term.

By arming patients with the information they need to make an informed decision about their treatment, they will feel empowered to take an active role in their ongoing oral health. Undergoing dental implant treatment is a big decision for many patients, and with an ageing population in the UK, we can expect more patients to require treatment for missing teeth, so ensuring clinicians are armed with the tools they need to provide excellent care is essential.

 

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