Nimisha Nariapara looks at the steps a practice needs to take.
As dental implants continue to become more sophisticated and predictable, the demand for these treatments has also grown exponentially. As such, now is a better time than ever to consider branching out into something new and diversifying your treatment options.
Of course, learning a new area of treatment requires time, skill and determination, but with the right first steps and sophisticated technology by your side, this is an adventure well worth taking.
Perhaps some of the biggest benefits of dental implants for patients are that they are often a better, more easily maintained and longer-term alternative to removable dentures. Anyone who has prescribed dentures for patients before will realise that although these prosthetics are still an excellent solution in some cases, they can come with downsides and require a lot effort on the patient’s part to remain a viable choice. Dental implants are a more permanent option and therefore can provide better function and satisfaction for a longer period of time.
Indeed, by offering your patients dental implants, you are not only giving them the opportunity for a better quality of living but also a solution that feels more in tune with their natural dentition.
Like all big decisions, the choice to start offering dental implant treatment requires careful consideration and planning. Indeed, in light of the pandemic, this journey may not be as straightforward as it once was. However, earning the qualifications and finding an appropriate mentor is still paramount, and there are plenty of options still available for professionals during this time.
The best way is to look at your professional circle and see if any colleagues are offering dental implant mentoring, as you will already be familiar with them and have established at least some rapport. If this is not an option, there are multiple websites, networks, associations and other sources that can help you find mentoring services.
Another vital consideration is the technology you use in practice and whether your existing systems are prepared for the challenge that awaits. Arguably one of the most important stages of dental implant planning is the diagnostic imaging, and this means that you’ll need a sophisticated CBCT system to be able to give your patients the best quality of treatment. These types of systems can be a large investment and may not necessarily be in keeping with the needs of your practice, so it’s important to compare available solutions in terms of cost, size and functionality to see which will be the best fit.
One option is the new CS 8200 3D CBCT system from Carestream Dental. Newly fitted with a wider field of view that enhances its image acquisition capabilities, the system can also switch easily between cephalometric, panoramic and other types of imaging, meaning it is perfect for everything from simple procedures to complex dental implant planning.
Although times are unpredictable at the moment, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a good idea to branch out and explore new areas of the profession. By taking the time to expand your skills and to draw in a new demographic of patient, you could give your practice and your team a boost, especially if you can invest in the appropriate systems to provide an exceptional level of patient care.