Dental Industry Trends Summary Mar 31 - Apr 6

Long Live Implants!

A recent study performed the longest recorded follow-up of single-tooth dental implants—observing implants placed up to 40 years old. Researchers evaluated patients and found the implants had a cumulative survival rate of 95.6%, proving the long-term effectiveness of current placement methods. Lead author Dr. Sargon Barkarmo stated, “The results show that the implants remain in place and that the bone loss around them is virtually unchanged after 40 years.” While implant survival was impressive, only 60.9% of the original crowns were still in place—primarily due to aesthetic reasons rather than functionality. This observation emphasizes the need for improved crown materials with better durability for a better look over time. Overall, the study showed that current implant techniques continue to offer healthy, successful outcomes, even over multiple decades.

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3D Printing in Dentistry

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a unique approach to “fabricate personalized gingival tissue grafts” using 3D bioprinting and AI. These tissue grafts, often required for treating gum recession, periodontal disease, or implant complications, traditionally involve harvesting tissue from the patient’s mouth—a process that can be invasive and difficult depending on the amount of suitable tissue a patient has. To address this, the team developed a 3D bioprinting method using specialized bio-ink that supports healthy cell growth. This allows them to create custom-fit grafts tailored to each patient, which is less painful and more precise—potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing the risk of post-op complications.

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