Navigating the Dental Implant Jungle

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Navigating the Dental Implant Jungle

A Humorous Guide for Lab Pros

By Mario Dasca · 19th Nov, 2023

Welcome! Reading time: 1500 words… 8 min.

Is the Dental Implant Market starting to feel like a dental labyrinth for technicians?

Seriously, do we really need to master all of them?

In a world where dental implant options multiply faster than bacteria in a Petri dish, dental technicians find themselves at the forefront of the prosthetic revolution.

Let's take a hilarious stroll through the jungle of dental implants and explore whether we're in for a wild ride or just a dental picnic.

Market Growth:

The global dental implant market is growing faster than a wisdom tooth. Valued at USD 4.05 billion in 2022, it's projected to reach USD 6.31 billion by 2030. That's a lot of shiny metal bits and bytes!

This growth is fuelled by factors such as the ageing population, increasing awareness of oral health, and technological advancements in implant materials and design.

Diversity of Implant Systems:

How many different dental implant systems are there?

Well, we've lost count faster than a dentist can say "open wide." The best guess is around 300, give or take. It's like a dental dating app – swipe right for the perfect match!

How many different dental implant companies exist?

Around 140 seems pretty close…

….the huge number is going to be a major issue in the future!
 

We ran across a list recently that had us wondering though, Osstell IDX List for dental implants

It lists 107 different companies with up to 11 different models for each company.  The average, I would guesstimate, is around 3, so there are maybe 300 different implant systems, at least, currently being used. 

 This article in Implant Practice US from Dec 2014 claims there are 1,300 dental implant types, and based on their wording that appears to include sizes.  That would correlate well with my 300 different implant systems as most systems have 4 sizes; 300×4.

Kong JOMI 2023 states there are hundreds of manufacturers producing thousands of types of implants. However, I am unsure exactly what that means, as many will be clones.

Another list from Penguin with 60 companies.

Challenges for Dental Technicians and Dentists

Reusing implants after a couple of years?

Good luck identifying the manufacturer – it's like finding a toothpick in a haystack!

Is your patient Moving to/from another country?

If your doctor used a smaller, less-known company, life becomes a dental soap opera for both dentists and techs.

There have certainly been multiple dental implants come and go already, making some components impossible to find.  I can only assume of the 107 dental implant companies, a fair percentage will go out of business over the course of the next decade, creating even more issues. 

Fortunately, I have found a website to help us identify dental implants based on x-ray examination (what implant is that).  Also, Preat has an app to help you identify an implant based on catalogue pictures and descriptions.

According to a survey by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, 40% of dental technicians already express concerns about the complexity of managing multiple systems.

Standardisation Efforts:

It's like the dental world realised it needed a GPS. ISO 13485 certification, FDA protocols, and implant passports are here to make the dental implant journey smoother.

Because who doesn't love paperwork, right?

The Council of European Dentists decided in 2020 that, according to the Medical Devices Regulation, an implant passport must be given to a patient. This should clearly identify the implant. Healthcare providers will be obliged to provide patients with such a passport.

Implant Register: The easiest way is to download the implant passport from the register for free and print it out. The download is here.

Or you may register your implant directly at Implant-Register yourself (fee) here.

Statistics and Trends:

Implant Utilisation:

Over 25% of U.S. adults aged 40-64 alone have a dental implant – it's the bling for the middle-aged, this age group being the most frequent receivers of dental implants, with 38.5% of the implants being placed in this group.

This statistic underscores the increasing acceptance and utilisation in addressing tooth loss.

Training and Certification:

The International Congress of Oral Implantologists reports a 20% increase in the number of dental technicians seeking specialised training in implant prosthetics over the past five years. It's like going back to school but with more drills.

Certification programs offered by implant manufacturers, such as Zimmer Biomet's Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Dentistry, or Institute of Digital Dentistry have seen a huge rise in enrolment.

Competition Fuels Innovation:

Competition among dental implant manufacturers is fierce – it's like a dental version of "Survivor".

Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Zimmer, BioHorizons, Astra Tech, MIS Implants, Dentsply Ankylos, and Bicon – it's a dental showdown! Each one claims its implant is the superhero of the mouth!!!

Here are comparisons of some popular dental implant systems:

Straumann vs. Nobel Biocare:

• Straumann: Known for its Swiss precision and quality, Straumann offers a wide range of implant options. They are known for their Roxolid implant material, which combines titanium and zirconium for enhanced strength and stability. Straumann implants are often preferred for their extensive clinical research and long-term success rates.

• Nobel Biocare: Nobel Biocare is recognised for its innovations in implant dentistry. Their NobelActive and NobelParallel Conical Connection implants are popular choices. The conical connection design provides excellent stability and facilitates restorative procedures. Nobel Biocare is also known for its guided surgery solutions, making implant placement more precise.

Zimmer vs. BioHorizons:

• Zimmer: Zimmer Dental offers a range of implant systems, including the Tapered Screw-Vent and Trabecular Metal dental implants. The Trabecular Metal technology provides excellent osseointegration due to its biomimetic structure, while the Tapered Screw-Vent design is versatile and reliable.

• BioHorizons: BioHorizons is known for its Tapered Internal and Tapered Plus dental implants. The Tapered Internal implant features an internal hex connection for stability and is often chosen for its ease of use. BioHorizons also offers the Laser-Lok surface technology, which promotes tissue attachment and minimises bone loss.

Astra Tech vs. MIS Implants:

• Astra Tech: Astra Tech implants, part of Dentsply Sirona, are renowned for their OsseoSpeed surface, which promotes rapid osseointegration. They offer a variety of implant designs, including the Astra Tech Implant System EV, known for its flexibility and esthetic outcomes.

• MIS Implants: MIS Implants offers the SEVEN implant system with a unique platform-switching design. This system is designed to preserve bone and soft tissue, enhancing long-term stability. MIS also provides guided surgery solutions for precise implant placement.

Dentsply Ankylos vs. Bicon:

• Dentsply Ankylos: Dentsply Sirona's Ankylos implant system is known for its TissueCare Connection, designed to support soft tissue health and esthetics. The system offers a range of prosthetic components for various restorative options.

• Bicon: The Bicon system is distinctive for its short implants and innovative implant design. Bicon's locking taper connection provides stability, and the system is often chosen for cases with limited vertical bone height. It is known for its simplicity and versatility.

These are just a few examples, and many more dental implant systems are available, each with unique strengths and characteristics.

The choice of system depends on factors such as the patient's oral anatomy, the treatment plan, and the clinician's experience and preferences.

It's important for dental professionals to stay informed about the latest developments and select the most suitable implant system for each patient's specific needs.

Market Share of Implant Brands:

Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and Dentsply Sirona are like the cool kids in the dental implant cafeteria.

Straumann holds a 19% market share – move over, Nobel Biocare at 17% and Dentsply Sirona at 13%. It's the dental stock market, and the implants are trading like hotcakes!

Understanding these market dynamics can help dental technicians align their skills with the most widely used implant systems.

(Source: Dental Implant Market Report).

Patient Outcomes:

Studies show a success rate exceeding 94% over a fifteen-year period – it's like the Oscars for dental procedures. (Source: Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry).

The red carpet is rolled out for implants!

This positive trend reinforces the efficacy of various implant systems in delivering favourable patient outcomes.

In navigating the ever-expanding landscape of implant systems, dental technicians play a pivotal role in ensuring the success and satisfaction of implant-supported restorations.

The statistics and structural insights provided in this article underscore the dynamic nature of the dental implant industry, offering a comprehensive perspective for dental technicians to make informed decisions in their practice.


In conclusion, the dental implant world is like a rollercoaster – thrilling, sometimes confusing, but ultimately a journey worth taking.

The abundance of choices presents both opportunities and challenges.

So, dental technicians, gear up, keep smiling, and remember: in the dental implant jungle, laughter might just be the best medicine!

Extra Resources Roundup & References

• What is the business approach on this matter (Fortune Bussiness)

• Extra guides from Dental Implant World (Top 5 Manufacturers)

• Clinical Ideeas and Statistics (Journal)

Thank you for staying connected with Dental Lab Tips.  We look forward to bringing you more exciting updates from the world of dental technology.