Dr Nissit Patel attended the European Association of Osseointegration (EAO) Congress from 24th-26th September in Lisbon, Portugal. This was a wonderful event, with incredible presentations from world renowned speakers, live surgery, a wonderful trade fair and educational events. There is always so much to learn in the world of dental implants and it is great to be able to connect with our European and world wide colleagues at such events. 

Congratulations to the EAO for organising such a successful event and we look forward to seeing you next year in Madrid!

One of the common trends we are seeing this year is the increasing popularity of metal free dental implants or zirconia dental implants. The benefits of zirconia include: 

1. Superior aesthetics

• Zirconia is tooth-coloured (white), so it blends seamlessly with natural teeth.
• No risk of a grey metal shine-through, especially in patients with thin gums.

2. Metal-free / hypoallergenic

• Ideal if you want to avoid metals or have sensitivities.
• Very low risk of allergic reactions compared to metal-based implants.

3. Lower plaque accumulation

• The ceramic surface tends to attract less plaque and bacteria, which may help gum health.

4. Corrosion-resistant

• Zirconia does not corrode or release ions, making it appealing for patients concerned about long-term material stability.

5. Good soft tissue response

• Some studies suggest improved gum tissue integration and aesthetics around the implant.
   

Replacing missing back teeth is essential. The molar teeth are designed for mastication i.e chewing . Without molars, it is far harder to break down foods for ease of swallowing. This essentially means that the diet will be one of soft foods only and eating will take much longer. This would not be a great look at a New Years eve dinner party! 

Our front teeth are created for incising food i.e cutting. If the teeth in front of the molars are overloaded with excessive force then further problems will result such as cracks, fractures and even teeth splitting in half meaning the loss of more teeth. 

The good news is that molar teeth can be replaced using dental implants to restore chewing function, spread the forces and enjoy those harder goods once again. 

Our case of the month for December is a classic one where the back teeth were lost due to bruxism which severely impaired function.
 

Losing a tooth in the back of your mouth can feel frustrating. The lower premolars and molars—the teeth you use most for chewing—are especially important for eating, speaking, and keeping your smile healthy. When one of these teeth is lost due to decay, gum disease, or injury, it’s natural to wonder what the best replacement option might be.

While removable dentures and bridges may be an option , we generally recommend dental implants for replacing premolars and molars, especially in the lower jaw. Implants are small titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots. They are placed into the jawbone and topped with a crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Below are the main reasons why implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing back teeth.