Publication aims to predict future European dental implant trends

Search Dental Tribune

New publication aims to predict upcoming European implant trends

A new publication, informed by a range of international experts, seeks to shed light on possible future trends in implantology in Europe until 2030. (Image: File404/Shutterstock)

Tue. 12. November 2019

save

LISBON, Portugal: Though it has only been available to edentulous patients for a few decades, implant therapy has become a crucial treatment modality in that time. Continued advancements in the materials and technologies used, however, have led to the development of new clinical scenarios. For this reason, a recent publication, which was launched at this year’s Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO), seeks to shed light on possible future trends in implantology in Europe until 2030.

The publication, titled Delphi Study—Horizon 2030: Identifying and Predicting Future Trends in Implant Dentistry in Europe, utilises the Delphi method, in addition to scientific evidence, in an attempt to outline the future direction of European implant dentistry. The Delphi method is a widely used technique for collecting data on complex and somewhat opaque topics. It relies on experts in the field to develop a long-term forecast.

For the Delphi Study, an advisory committee was established by the EAO to identify suitable international experts who could feasibly contribute to an in-depth discussion of implantology’s future. Invitations were extended to 138 experts, and 52 of these contributed to the final analysis by filling in an open-ended questionnaire containing 60 questions that was developed by the advisory committee.

Overall, a moderate consensus emerged regarding the future demand for implant treatment, as 69% of respondents stated that it would likely increase owing, in part, to an ageing global population. Responses from 94% indicated that demand for single-tooth implant treatments would increase by 2030, and 85% said that the implant surfaces of the future would probably be bioactive in nature.

A high level of respondents believed that CBCT imaging would play a greater role at the diagnostic stage of future implant therapy. The opinion of 81% was that the majority of pre-surgical implant diagnoses will be made using this technology. The same proportion of respondents believed that CBCT analysis would become a standard part of diagnosis owing to continued decreases in radiation dose levels.

Tags:
To post a reply please login or register
advertisement
advertisement