Tooth loss is very a very common problem; therefore, the use of dental implants is also a common practice. Although research on dental implant designs, materials and techniques has increased in the past few years and is expected to expand in the future, there is still a lot of work involved in the use of better biomaterials, implant design, surface modification and functionalization of surfaces to improve the long-term outcomes of the treatment. This article will focus on the 5 latest trends in dental implants Toronto.

1. Micro-Casting

This technique normally involves the use of a metal melt that is casted into a metallic mold that allows the fabrication of the dental implants with very fine details and complex geometries. This technique is beneficial in terms of cost and also the ability of manufacturing identical implants on a large scale.

2. Implants and Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has played a huge role in transforming the dentistry field especially when it comes to dental implants. This technology helps in surface coating of the dental implants which comes with various advantages such as improving the process of ossoeintegration of the implants as well as their bio-compatibility. This means the increased ability of protein adsorption, cell adhesion as well as the incorporation of growth factors that accelerate the bone healing process. Furthermore, there are also numerous nanomaterials that have been found to be used as implant materials.

3. Electron Microscopy

The new microscopy techniques such as the high resolution transmission electron microscopy allows for the accurate measurement of the lattice parameters as well as the analysis of the microstructure and grain sizes of the surface layer. It can also be used to visualize the extent of ossoeintegration developed between the surrounding bone and the dental implant. It also makes it possible to visualize the quality and composition of the oxygen layer that surrounds the implant without much need for sample preparation.

4. Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD CAM)

Long gone are the days when dentists would select from pre-fabricated sizes and shapes of implants. With the current technology, a digital image of the patient’s dentition is fed into a computer which in turn suggests the ideal design of the implants. Once approved, the design is then sent to the milling machine where it is milled within minutes.

5. Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

This technology involves breaking down the structure of the implant and its surrounding bone into extremely small three dimensional parts or nodes. Then, the forces and their mechanics are calculated at each particular node. This helps identify the ears of excessive forces that lead to implant fracture are being generated. The issues can therefore be designed accordingly and help avoid any failures.