Dental professionals share a heightened awareness regarding the success of dental implants as a treatment option for missing teeth. The growing popularity of dental implants is a two-fold result of community/patient education and education of dental professionals. The growth of dental implant therapy has re-defined the role of dental team members in respect to what their specific role will be with patients during each phase of care.
How do we define the role of the dental hygienist with implant patients? A critical function is the initial evaluation of patients as potential implant candidates. Though many people now know about dental implants, many still don’t choose them as a treatment option.
The communication and conversations with potential implant patients can lay the foundation for case acceptance. Communications will often begin with why a patient may need an implant. What are the consequences of not having an implant? Why is implant therapy a good option for a particular patient? Are there adjunctive or alternative forms of therapy/treatment that can be utilized? It is very important for all auxiliaries to know why implants work, how well they work, and to understand all aspects of implant care so communications and explanations to the patient, based on the doctor’s diagnosis, is seamless.
If the patient accepts treatment, the hygienist will then be responsible for educating the patient about oral care during the surgical and prosthetic phases of treatment. Understanding the surgical treatment the patient will undergo and types of restoration to be placed is crucial for recommending the appropriate oral hygiene techniques during healing phases.
Clinical hygiene and home hygiene procedures need to be effective but non-invasive so healing tissues are not disturbed. At the same time the patient must be aware that gentle debridement will only be effective while tissues are healing. Once healing and restoration are complete, a new hygiene routine will need to be established, learned, and complied with
Once the teeth are restored, it is vital for a hygienist to be able to thoroughly assess oral conditions to recognize changes that may indicate potential implant and/or implant prosthetic problems. The dental hygienist is indispensable in identifying negative findings or changes from baseline. Routine use of a checklist or a form to chart changes is extremely helpful and will assist in communication between care providers. Early changes from baseline are often early indicators of a complication that will require further evaluation and possible intervention or correction….read more
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This article was brought to you by the Smile Clinic in London West End is general and cosmetic dentistry London with specialist in best dental implants London, cosmetic veneers, smile makeover, cosmetic dental bridge and cosmetic denture and dental implants dentures.
