Implant-supported prosthetics

Implant-supported prosthetics
D?©cembre 2003
Journal dentaire du Qu?©bec Volume 40
Implantology has become increasingly
popular in Quebec in recent years. More and
more dentists and denturologists are
working together on implant-supported
prosthetic treatments. This is a complex
field of dentistry, requiring not only special
skills but also strict planning of the entire
process, based on prior diagnosis and a
treatment plan. Patient follow-up is also
crucial. Unfortunately, we have to admit
that this lucrative market is attracting
professionals who do not always have
the necessary skills to do everything
properly, in the patientÇƒÙs best
interests.
In the May/June 2001 issue of the Journal
dentaire du Qu?©bec, I sounded the alarm
regarding the marketing of implantology
services.1 I questioned the way in which some
dentists and denturologists seemed to be joining
forces primarily with a view to sharing lucrative
fees. Çƒ?I put in the implants, you make the
prosthesis.Çƒ? They would stop at nothing to
attract new patients, with aggressive advertising
campaigns and catchy slogans. The most
convincing one wins the sale. Two years later, I
am obliged to say that the points I made back
then still apply. As President of the Ordre des
dentistes du Qu?©bec, I find this very disturbing.
The dentist has full and complete
responsibility
Implant-supported prosthetics is a complex
technique involving a large number of high-risk
interventions, in both the surgical and
prosthodontic phases. The consequences of
poorly planned and poorly executed treatment
can be disastrous, even tragic, for patients.
Fortunately, most dentists and denturologists
do not take their professional obligations lightly.
They are familiar with their respective legislation
and codes of ethics, which clearly set out
guidelines governing shared activities. These
guidelines protect not only patients, but also the
professionals themselves. I would add that most
dentists and denturologists also take their own
personal limitations and those of their field of
practice into account. They will not suggest that
they attempt to install implant-supported
prostheses if they do not consider themselves
competent to do so.
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