Implants Become Ubiquitous

In the early 1980s, industry forecasters predicted a boon in implant placement, a prediction that was premature for a market still in its infancy. Inadequate education, inconsistent techniques and unpredictable results contributed to resistance on the part of many dentists and laboratories.

However, by the time we entered the new millennium, implant treatment became the first choice in tooth replacement thanks to technical advancements, long-term success rates, and the abundance of manufacturer-provided education.

The advent of CAD/CAM and cone beam technology further impacted the precision of implant placement with the development of sophisticated treatment planning software and surgical guides, making surgery more straightforward for the doctor and less traumatic for the patient. As of 2013, laboratories reported that two-thirds of their dentist-clients were prescribing implant...