Dental specialists discuss implantology risks and new techniques

Dental specialists are discussing the evolving landscape of implantology, highlighting both the risks of long-term implant use and the emergence of new surgical techniques.

Javier Calatrava, an implantology specialist, has cautioned that dental implants can be a “double-edged sword.” He noted that the industry is currently reviewing the long-term limitations of implants placed decades ago. Calatrava emphasized the importance of conservative dentistry, suggesting that natural teeth can often be maintained for 20 to 30 years with proper periodontal care, whereas the long-term survival rates of implants are less certain. He also warned that economic profitability often influences clinical decisions and noted that patients frequently underestimate the maintenance required for implants.

In a different development, Pedro Aquino, president of the Dominican Society of Implantology, highlighted the advantages of corticobasal implants. This technique offers an alternative for patients with bone conditions that typically disqualify them from conventional implant procedures. Aquino stated that corticobasal implants allow for minimally invasive surgeries and can often eliminate the need for bone grafts, reducing treatment times for complex cases.