Implants & Edentulous Solutions

Key considerations include CBCT imaging capability for precise planning, surgical guide technology for guided placement, adequate bone volume and quality assessment, and access to continuing education. Clinicians interviewed by DPS consistently cite CBCT as non-negotiable — 3D imaging reveals anatomy and pathology that make guided surgery significantly safer and more predictable.

Osseointegration is the process by which bone cells attach directly to the implant surface, providing stable long-term anchorage. The timeline varies by implant surface design, bone quality, and patient health — typically 6–12 weeks for standard cases, though newer surface technologies like Nobel Biocare's TiUltra and Xeal are engineered to accelerate and improve early integration.

Bone-level implants are placed at or below the crestal bone, allowing flexible prosthetic positioning and supporting soft tissue architecture through platform switching. Tissue-level implants emerge through the gingiva with a machined collar, simplifying soft tissue management but offering less flexibility in esthetic cases. The choice depends on the clinical site and prosthetic plan.

Edentulous patients can choose from conventional dentures, implant-retained overdentures with locator attachments, implant-supported fixed prosthetics, and full-arch immediate load solutions. Implant-supported options provide significantly better stability, chewing efficiency, and bone preservation — and can often be upgraded from conventional dentures through implant retrofitting.

Independent panels of dentists and oral surgeons place and restore implants in their own practices, rating on criteria including primary stability, drilling protocol ease, digital workflow compatibility, and soft tissue response. Products scoring 4.3 or above earn the DPS Best Product designation.