Once considered an elective for the privileged few, dental implants are now provided as a routine dental service. Long-term success for these patients is dependent on a collaborative effort with the dentist and dental hygienist, however, there is limited formal education about dental implant maintenance in the current U.S. dental hygiene curriculum.
Even if a practice does not routinely place or restore dental implants, team members need to have basic knowledge of treatment options, components, and patient care protocols. With changing classifications about treatment considerations for peri-implant disease and advancements in technology, it is not uncommon for dental hygienists to express uncertainty about patient care.
This program will review decision-making factors leading to maintenance protocols for implant cases ranging from a single tooth to full-arch, screw-retained restorations.
Learning Objectives
After completing this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Review history of osseointegration and dental implant therapy.
- Discuss of treatment options and considerations for single tooth and full-arch treatment concepts.
- Identify dental implant components.
- Discuss treatment workflows for surgical referrals and total solution providers.
- Understand aftercare, dental hygiene recall maintenance, and protocols for prevention of peri-implantitis.
