Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are an effective option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or other reasons.

Key things to know about dental implants include:

• They are made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that fuse with the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth.

• Procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon or periodontist and requires one or more surgical appointments.

• Can support a variety of replacement teeth options, including single crowns, bridges and full or partial dentures.

• Still need good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure the long-term success of the implant.

• The cost of dental implants can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant used, number of implants needed, the type of replacement teeth, and diameter used.

• Success rate of dental implant ranges from 93% to 98% depending on where in the mouth they are placed.

• Look and feel like your own teeth.

It is important to consult with a dentist to determine if dental implants are the right option for you. Call Stockholm Dental Clinic today for your dental consultation.

Artificial intelligence [AI] is not in the future. The future is here. AI is now and it is pervasive in a wide range of areas not least in dentistry.

AI has many applications in dentistry including:

Identifying oral diseases such as tooth decay / cavities, endodontics, periodontal /gum disease, oral cancer, maxillary sinus diseases & TMJ disorders

Endodontics: AI can predict with precision a diagnosis & therapy for a diseased tooth. It can study the anatomy of the root canal system, pinpoint root fractures & lesions & calculate the success of retreatment procedures.

Treatment planning: AI can help dentists create more precise treatment plans & determine the best course of action for individual patients.

Dental imaging: AI can improve the accuracy of dental imaging & make it easier for dentists to see small details in images.

Patient communication: AI can help dentists communicate with patients in relation to scheduling, patient care, drug interactions, answering common questions & providing educational materials.

Overall, AI has the potential to improve the quality of dental care, increase efficiency and accuracy in diagnosis and treatment, and enhance patient experience.

Many of the patients who sit in our chair suffer from some form of gum disease. Some of those patients may also have an increased risk for developing, or may already have a systemic condition. A systemic condition is one that affects the entire body and not just a particular organ or body part. For example, systemic conditions can be high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, kidney disease, anemia or bleeding disorders to name a few. Most likely patients are unaware that there is a link between gum disease and systemic conditions and this article will address this.

Gum disease is prevalent among many adult patients. The World Health Organization Europe (WHO) has found that severe periodontal (gum) disease can be found in 5–20% of middle-aged (35–44 years) adults and up to 40% of older individuals (65–74 years). Gum disease is also a major contributor to the loss of natural teeth. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the U.S. approx. 47% of adults over 30 years old have gum disease, as well as 70% of adults over the age of 65. It is not just a European phenomenon.

For more than 20 years, the U.S. Surgeon General has recognized the link between periodontal disease and other systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes; additionally, it found an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Research conducted by The American Dental Association (ADA) likewise found a link between gum disease and serious systemic health conditions. They say their data is clear and suggests two possible explanations¹:

1. Chronic inflammation in the oral cavity could increase bloodstream inflammatory markers that affect the patient’s immune response or increase the patient’s burden of inflammation.
2. The oral cavity collects pathogenic bacteria that infiltrate the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body or systemic pathologies.

The American Dental Association (ADA) also suggests that gum disease and other conditions share common factors such as poor diet and smoking that increase the risk for disease. To date though no research has provided a direct link to the cause between gum disease and systemic health conditions. Neither have they proven that if a person receives treatment for gum disease that it will avert any health condition or prevent any progression of systemic conditions.²

The importance of good oral hygiene at home cannot be understated, but in conjunction with ending your smoking habit, exercising on a daily basis along with a balanced diet. This will not only keep your teeth healthy, but could have a major impact on your body as a whole.

References

1. Eke PI, Dye BA, Wei L, Thornton-Evans GO, Genco RJ. Prevalence of periodontitis in adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. J Dent Res. 2012;91(10):914 -920. doi:10.1177/00220345124573732.
2. Oral-systemic health. American Dental Association. September 23, 2019. Accessed January 3, 2022. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/oral-systemic-health