Before we get into what dental implant is right for your patient, let’s learn a little history on dental implants.

Over the past few decades, dentistry has evolved into being something that everyone takes part in. Whether your patients are coming into your dental clinic for their bi-annual cleanings or choosing cosmetic dentistry for personal appearance reasons, dentistry is now a household norm.

It wasn’t always a household norm. Before now, dentistry was not as prominent in households simply because of the lack in resources and procedure options. When people lost their teeth, they’d have no options to get implants. Instead, they’d be left with a hole and gap in structure because dental procedures often resulted in extraction and that was it.

As technology and procedures evolved over the course of time, implants and other dental procedures became possible. Not only has the help of technology and dental procedures played a huge role in self-esteem increases and aesthetics for your dental patients and your dental practice success, but it has also helped improve functionality for everyone involved.

As you’re already aware, retained implants are now a common method for treating tooth loss. And, now since tooth extraction with an implant placement (or other procedure) has become more normal, as a dentist it’s acceptable for you to recommend removing the problematic tooth as soon as possible to decrease further damage to neighboring teeth and gums.

How Did Dental Implants Come to Be?

As we mentioned earlier, before dental implant procedures were introduced, many people went without proper tooth structure due to gaps and holes in their gum line. In 1984, Dr. Branemark introduced modern methods of dental implants. Ever since dentistry has come a long way and new techniques and technology have continued to come to market making your job as a dentist who offers cosmetic dentistry services much easier.

What Types of Dental Implants Are Right for Patients?

As a dentist, you are put in a position to offer different solutions to meet the needs of your patients. One of those may involve discussing which implant style is best for them and while we understand there are two types of implants, it’s up to you to let your dental patient choose which of the two they ultimately want.

If you’re not aware, there are two types of implants: screw-retained implants and cement-retained implants.

Most dentists prefer screw-retained implants over cement-retained implants. Why?

First, it’s a safer process for your patient’s mouth. Should there need to be re-tightening of the dental implant, there is no chance with a screw-retained implant to leave leftover residue in the peri-implantitis.

Second, screw-retained implants are typically more affordable for your patients. You’ll want to pay close attention to if your patient has dental insurance. If they do, determining which option will be covered under their dental plan will help make the decision process easier. Without insurance, it’s truly up to your patient on what they can afford.

Cement-retained dental implants can sometimes offer a more natural appearance than screw-retained implants depending on how they are designed in the dental lab. Make sure you work with your dental lab technician to create a custom implant that flows with your patient’s natural tooth appearance.

Dental cement-retained implants are also independent of the implant orientation which can be why some people prefer this method instead of a screw-retained dental implant. Again, it’s up to your patient to choose what option works best.

Choosing a USA Dental Lab for Dental Implant Creation

At Pacific Aesthetic Laboratory Group, we offer two dental lab California locations in both northern California, Pacific Aesthetic Dental Studio and in southern California, Corr Dental Designs.  Between both USA dental laboratory locations, finding one that works with your dental practice isn’t hard.

We often have special requests such as being flown out to dental practices to meet with smile design and specialty patient cases. When this happens, our dental technicians get to meet your patient and design a custom patient experience ensuring they are comfortable throughout the process and with their result.

We also offer a hands-on dental continuing education program with various in-person seminars throughout the US. You’ll not only learn, dental techniques to further your skill but you’ll learn new marketing practices to implement in your dental practice. Keeping up to date on the latest marketing trends ensures you follow practices that allow you to remain booked all year long.

Online, you can find dental practice resources via our blog and resources tab.

If you’ve not already worked with one of our two California dental laboratory locations, click here to receive a 50% off initial case submission*.

*Dental cases submitted using this link should be for new dental practices that have not previously used our services. You’ll receive a 50% discount on any case submissions up to $500. Smile design cases are not included.