Dental hygienist Karen Walker reflects on treatment protocols she established over 15 years ago, protocols that now align with guidelines from the British Society of Periodontology (BSP) for managing peri-implant diseases.
Walker will present her insights on peri-implant disease prevention and treatment at Dentistry Live on November 21 at 7 p.m., highlighting the importance of comprehensive hygiene maintenance for implant patients. “Rather than listing reasons why my content is essential, let’s look at the facts,” she stated.
The UK’s dental implant market, currently valued at $2.1 billion, is anticipated to grow to $3.5 billion by 2030, according to healthcare market research firm Insights10. This rising demand is mirrored in dental practices, with more patients seeking implants each year. However, a 2024 British Dental Journal study revealed a significant gap in general dentists’ understanding of peri-implantitis diagnostic criteria, despite the known legal risks of misdiagnosis. The study underscores the need for further education on diagnosis, risk factors, and referral protocols for peri-implant disease.
With extensive experience at The Campbell Clinic, a specialist implant practice, Walker has been part of the faculty aiming to elevate implant dentistry standards. She collaborates with Dr. Colin Campbell, with whom she created peri-implantitis treatment protocols well before formal guidelines were published. These protocols, tested over years and validated in 2023 by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and subsequently adopted by the BSP, have shown promising results.
Walker notes that the demand for guidance on peri-implantitis treatment has grown, though most inquiries focus on pre-implant care rather than ongoing maintenance for patients with implants. Her goal at Dentistry Live is to empower general dental practitioners to develop basic competencies in peri-implant care, reducing the need for patient referrals and enhancing practice revenue.
“Patients want continuity of care within their regular practice,” Walker explains, adding that from a business standpoint, keeping treatments in-house prevents the loss of potential income. Her approach emphasizes team-based care, where hygienists are equipped to handle peri-implantitis management.
Walker also highlights risk factors for peri-implant disease. Smoking, with over six million users in the UK, remains a primary contributor, and the effects of e-cigarettes are still under investigation. Diabetes, affecting more than one in 14 people in the UK, poses another significant risk by inhibiting immune response and slowing healing. With diabetes rates expected to increase, peri-implant care will only grow in importance.
In her upcoming presentation, Walker will outline methods for comprehensive diagnosis and individualized treatment planning for peri-implant patients. She encourages practitioners to demonstrate specific techniques to patients for optimal implant care at home. She has long recommended tools like the Philips Sonicare toothbrush, which she finds effective for patients with complex implant structures, and the Philips Power Flosser for interproximal cleaning.
Walker’s goal is clear: to empower dental teams with the confidence and skills to manage peri-implant disease effectively, ensuring patients receive the highest quality care directly from their trusted general dental practice.
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