“The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, the willingness to learn is a choice” — Brian Herbert.
Even as a highly experienced and revered doctor, Dr. Reyes believes that it’s always important to keep learning. He recently took a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona to take part in a Spear Study Club about restorative implant dentistry. Continuing education is key to stay on top of cutting-edge dental technology and procedures, and the Spear Study Clubs are particularly interesting as the courses take place within an intimate group dynamic to learn from peers and real-life case examples.
What is a Dental Implant?
A missing tooth is a common dental problem. Due to their esthetically pleasing and long-term success, dental implants have become the premier dental treatment that is often used in restorative dentistry. Dental implants consist of a metal “post”, usually made of titanium, that’s placed in the jawbone and acts as an anchor. The implanted “post” then fuses with the bone over time to develop an artificial root and an artificial tooth is attached that matches the patient’s other teeth.
Spear Study Club Learnings
At the Spear Study Club, we discussed the benefits of all the technology relating to restorative dentistry. These days, there are multiple options for an implant abutment. An abutment is the connection between the dental implant and the crown or another dental restoration. It’s important to know which technology works best in which scenario to get our patients the most appropriate connector.
The workshop also focused on how to better participate within an interdisciplinary implant team — how best to plan treatments to provide patients with long-term success and understand each doctor’s role within the process. With each case being unique, dental implants can be extremely technical and complex, so the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork is imperative to providing the best care and results.
Dr. Reyes and the group were provided various abutments and dentistry tools to test them out and create a full smile again.
Dr. Reyes really enjoyed the setup of the Spear Study Club environment, and he and the Lorton dental team are committed to constantly growing and becoming experts in new technologies related to dentistry, including dental implants.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Many people live with a missing tooth for too long, mainly out of fear or embarrassment. It’s important if you are missing a tooth to discuss the various treatment options you have. The benefits of dental implants include:
Making chewing and speaking easier
Provides a permanent solution for an incomplete smile
Helps to preserve facial structure
Allows other treatments like bridgework to be more secure and successful
Stops additional bone loss and gum recession
If you have dentures, it means you can secure them without the need of glue
Contact our team today so we can review your dental options and bring your smile back to life.