Cemal Ucer discusses using technology to boost efficiency and accuracy.
The digital revolution in dentistry is nothing new, but as the industry continues to evolve and step further into the digital world, it’s fast becoming clear that fully digital workflows have a number of benefits.
But what are the advantages of digital workflows, and how can clinicians implement this approach for more complex treatment modalities such as dental implantology?
Greater predictability
Digital design has transformed the way that clinicians approach treatment. Adoption of digital technologies such as the latest generation of CBCT and intraoral scanners allows for a more detailed look at the hard and soft tissues, providing a comprehensive insight into the anatomy at hand. For dental implantology cases, these technologies enable clinicians to measure and localise the amount of available bone, as well as map out treatment with better knowledge of where important anatomical structures such as sinus cavities are.
Research has proven that this extra detail in the treatment planning stage helps to increase the overall predictability of treatment. As predictable, long-lasting outcomes are the aim in all dental procedures, it is becoming essential for clinicians to be acquainted with the latest digital technologies and learn how to best integrate them into the diagnostic and planning stages in order to deliver prosthodontically and anatomically guided implant rehabilitations.
Streamline treatment for everyone involved
Intotistry, time is one of the most valuable assets a clinician has. Patient expectations and the fast pace of living have made clinicians need to balance time more carefully than ever, even when planning and performing complex surgeries and treatments.
A fully digital workflow helps to streamline dental procedures and thus save time from the first step. For instance, utilising an intraoral scanner instead of a traditional impression material is a swifter, easier solution in the vast majority of cases. Intraoral scanners can send digital files instantly to the laboratory, eliminating the need to wait for postage of a physical impression. Additionally, using an intraoral scanner saves chair time too, with many modern models capturing detail faster than traditional impression materials while helping to increase patient comfort, too. Plus, in research that assessed the accuracy of digital solutions versus physical impressioning techniques, it was found that some models of intraoral scanners captured superior detail at the preparation margin.
As this technology only continues to improve, it seems certain that these solutions will become more innovative and accurate, meaning that clinicians should embrace this technology and become familiar with systems now to keep ahead of the curve.
Digital technology is often the key to same-day delivery of dental implant treatment. For instance, 3D printing technologies can be utilised to create provisional restorations, streamlining treatment and providing an instant and functional solution that can often have life-changing outcomes. Fast results are likely to help improve patient satisfaction and be more convenient for professionals and patients alike as fewer appointments are required.
Complex treatment made simple
One huge benefit to adopting a fully digital workflow is harnessing technologies to create surgical guides. Sophisticated systems can combine CBCT data with 3D printing capabilities to create surgical guides that significantly boost the accuracy of dental implant placement. This not only hastens surgical time but can promote faster healing, as well as helping to eliminate any human error that could lead to implant complications or failure further down the line.
Additionally, many current digital technologies have dental implantology workflows built in for maximum confidence and simplicity. These workflows often aim to streamline each step of the process, from initial diagnosis to actual placement.
Adopting a digital workflow today
Of course, like learning any new skill, digital technologies have learning curves that need to be mastered in order to achieve the best results. While digital technologies promise simplicity, there isn’t always the occasion for clinicians to learn how to use them, for use in dental implantology without already making the investment.
That’s why Ucer Education ensures that all professionals who sign up for the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Implant Dentistry (EduQual Level 7) are taught how to provide exceptional dental implant treatment with a full CBCT and intraoral scanner digital workflow. Led by the eminent Professor Cemal Ucer, Specialist Oral Surgeon, this course has been empowering clinicians with the knowledge and skills they need to provide modern, effective dental implant treatment for over 25 years. As well as covering a digital workflow, the programme acquaints professionals with all of the most modern techniques and ideas in the field, ensuring they are fully prepared to implement dental implantology into their practice post-course.
A digital future
As digital technology becomes more integrated into dentistry, it makes sense for clinicians to learn how to best harness these systems in the modern age. A digital dental implantology workflow can boost predictability, simplicity and speed, but it is also likely the method of the future. This means that learning these skills will put professionals in good stead to become an excellent dental implant clinician both now and for the rest of their working careers.
For more information email ucer@icedental.institute, call 01612 371842 or visit https://www.ucer-clinic.dental/