The search for research

11 August 2025

In the world of dental implants, eye-opening research continues to flow along a constant conveyor belt. The study of dental implants is endless; whether investigating treatment failure, the risk factors of peri-implantitis or different implant material selection and their outcomes, there is always a new breakthrough on the horizon.

For dental professionals with a passion for implantology, staying up to date on the latest discoveries and debates is essential. Not only will this improve awareness of any exciting technological innovations or more efficient techniques, but utilising new research will also lead to superior treatment outcomes and a better patient experience. 

 

Staying updated

There are many ways dental implantologists can stay updated. Subscriptions to journals and dental magazines are useful for monitoring industry trends, featuring a range of writers, brands and perspectives to illuminate the current challenges and solutions in the implant landscape. However, as many are on monthly circulations and written up to several months before publication, it is slower for them to bring the latest breakthroughs to light.

Similarly, attending dental events like conferences, study clubs and workshops throughout the year can expose dental professionals to first-hand research, cutting-edge technologies and the general thoughts of their peers. Whilst infrequent, attending such in-person events broadens understanding and builds connections, with the opportunity to not just hear about new research or techniques, but to see them first-hand through practical sessions and subsequently better apply new concepts to daily practice.

 

Assessing online articles

Losing that personal feel but making up for it in sheer volume, online educational resources pool articles from across the globe, showcasing the worldwide push to better understand and master implant treatments. Through sharing research with international dentists and scientists, there is a stronger conversation on the management of dental implant treatments. However, dental professionals should also be able to assess the quality of each article, study or research project to better determine its value.

In this respect, dental professionals should bear in mind numerous factors when reading online material. Whilst many studies may detail any limitations in the research, such as the time period or the condition of the patients monitored, there may be unaddressed differences that should be accounted for.

For instance, a study may have determined that the risk of implant failure is 50% for those immediately placed – a number far greater than what is usually reported. Extra details should then be assessed to explain this. The study’s country of origin is a useful starting point due to how different each nation’s approach to dental health is; some Asian countries have fewer dental hygienists[i] and minimal adoption of water fluoridation practices compared to the UK, for example.[ii] Furthermore, whilst countries like Denmark and Sweden often report excellent oral health standards, nearby Germany has a much lower awareness of periodontitis among both patients and dentists, potentially increasing the risk of peri-implantitis.[iii] The disparities in oral health education, preventative action and access to healthcare between countries are further compounded by cultural differences and habits, from the chewing of betel nuts in Asia to the higher levels of smoking in Eastern European countries.[iv]

This then seems like an overwhelming challenge: how to remember the national differences in oral health between each country? All of the above considerations are certainly worth remembering on a broader, less country-specific basis, but assessing research articles is best done in comparison with others. By engaging with a wide amount of literature, patterns across topics will emerge and understanding will increase. By utilising the latest knowledge and skills learned, dental implantologists can be more informed in their decision-making and better support their patients.

 

A gateway to excellence

For members of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI), there is a rich resource of educational content available. From documents that share advice and guidelines on implant placement and maintenance to accessing clinical journals, there’s a multitude of membership benefits that improve understanding. With this cornucopia of knowledge, ADI members can enhance their clinical understanding and optimise their implant workflow.

To stay ahead of the curve, dental implantologists should ensure that the research they read is fresh and relevant, spanning across both the UK and abroad for a full spectrum of information, whilst still being able to critically assess the merit of each study. This way, your implant workflow can maintain pole position in the journey towards clinical excellence.

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