High demand for dental implants in 2020 and 2021

Increase in dental implants and their reasons.

According to a study conducted by health authorities, dental implants are among the most demanded dental treatments in 2020, along with aesthetic treatments, orthodontics, and those related to prevention. An increase was expected in 2021.

Among the reasons for the increase in this demand is the low rate of regular visits to the dentist. In addition, there is a significant degree of undiagnosed pathologies that now require treatment. Likewise, the aging of the population adds to the increase in this demand.

 As for the age group, it is estimated that two out of every ten people between 24 and 78 years old have a dental implant, according to the study.

Once the implant or implants have been placed, there are different procedures for replacing the lost teeth depending on each patient's particular case:

Fixed artificial teeth are located on the implant and cannot be removed.

• Dental prostheses screwed onto implants: the dentist can only remove them to control or sanitize their structure.
•   Removable dental prostheses: these are attached to the dental implants to provide excellent retention and stability but can be removed if the patient wishes.

Dental implant care

Likewise, from Dental-Office.org, we emphasize that it is essential that after the placement of dental implants, a series of specific care is carried out, among which we highlight the following:

• Do not eat until the effect of anesthesia has wholly disappeared, usually between 4 and 6 hours after surgery. Then, following a soft diet with food at room temperature is convenient during the first days.
•  If bleeding from the wound persists, a dry gauze can be placed on the area, and pressure applied for about 20 minutes. If the blood loss continues, it is replaced by another clean gauze following the same procedure.
•  Cold can be applied from outside the oral cavity to reduce inflammation in the implant area, and analgesics or anti-inflammatories can be used, following the dentist's instructions.
•  Avoid tobacco and alcohol since they can cause a delay in the healing process of the dental implant.
•  Maintain a strict and adequate oral hygiene routine using an ultra-soft surgical brush.
• At bedtime, keep the head higher than the rest of the body.
•  Do not make physical efforts during the week after the surgery.

The dentist must explain to the patient what techniques are used to treat dental implants and what care is involved in the postoperative period. The patient should go to the dentist if the bleeding lasts or is more abundant if the pain does not disappear or if the inflammation persists. Patients with implants should not neglect their regular check-ups to avoid medium and long-term complications.