SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 6, 2025 - Bold strides in implantology are reshaping dental care across Finland.
Despite a moderate growth trend compared to other European countries, the Finnish dental implant industry is evolving, propelled by technological innovation and a growing awareness of preventive care. Finland’s conservative approach to dental implants contrasts with the broader European surge. But with an aging population and rising patient expectations, the sector is entering a pivotal phase.
Annual implant rates in Finland underscore a slower uptake.
According to specialist dentist Pekka Kallio, approximately 30,000 new dental implants are placed each year in Finland. “In relation to the population, the number of implants in Italy, for example, is four times higher than in Finland,” he explains. Globally, over 100 million implants have been placed, with 10 million new treatments each year—highlighting a global trend Finland is only gradually aligning with.
Cost remains a barrier—but competition and innovation offer solutions.
Kallio attributes the restrained growth largely to cost: “The high cost of implant treatment in Finland compared to many other countries is often a barrier to more significant growth in the implantology business.” However, digital guidance in implant surgery is helping bring down expenses. “Price competition in the sector has already increased in Finland, without compromising the quality of treatment,” says Kallio, offering optimism for a more accessible future.
Treatment success hinges on both professional and patient factors.
Drawing from nearly 25 years of experience, Kallio emphasizes that the success of implant treatments is not about the implant brand, but rather the skills of the dentist and patient conditions. “A patient’s previous history of periodontitis is also not an obstacle to implant treatment,” he notes. However, risks like smoking and diabetes can significantly affect outcomes. “The most important risk factor for treatment failure is smoking. Diabetes is another important risk factor to consider in treatment,” Kallio warns.
Good oral hygiene is essential before and after surgery.
“A healthy mouth is the basis for successful implant treatment,” stresses Kallio. While implants are often seen as superior to natural teeth, this is a misconception. “The idea that implants are eternal and better than one's own teeth is wrong.” Poor oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, a serious condition that compromises implant health. Statistics from Dentognostics reveal that one implant is lost every four minutes, equating to roughly 140,000 annually, and that nearly half of all implant patients will experience peri-implantitis over time.
Innovative tools like Lumoral enhance patient outcomes.
Post-operative care is critical yet challenging, especially when cleaning is hindered by surgical tenderness and sutures. While antiseptic mouthwashes help, they may cause discolouration. An alternative showing promising results is Lumoral, an antibacterial treatment. “In my studies, the amount of plaque and gum bleeding in patients was significantly reduced compared to the initial situation, and there were no side effects associated with the use of Lumoral,” says YAMK oral hygienist Hanna Lähteenmäki, who was named Oral Hygienist of the Year 2022.
Kallio agrees on the product’s promise. “I use it selectively with my patients who have challenges with oral home care or other factors that affect the prognosis of their treatment.” His standard recommendation involves daily use of Lumoral for two weeks pre- and post-surgery, followed by continued use twice weekly. Patients have reported notable satisfaction: “The ease of use of Lumoral and the immediate feeling of dental cleanliness it provides has brought many positive comments from my patients.”
Long-term care is vital, and Lumoral offers preventive value.
Despite successful placement, implants can still deteriorate over time. “Inflammation and bone loss around implants, known as peri-implantitis, occurs in about one fifth of implants after a ten-year follow-up,” Kallio notes. These cases often require complex interventions by specialists.
“Careful oral home care is a prerequisite for successful treatment,” Kallio reiterates. He positions Lumoral as a practical, preventive tool: “Lumoral is, in my opinion, an affordable insurance not only to improve the long-term prognosis of implant treatment, but also to prevent many other oral health risks, such as caries and periodontitis.” For patients experiencing dry mouth, Lumoral adds further benefit and comfort.
Conclusion: Prevention, innovation, and affordability will drive future growth.
While Finland's implant industry may trail behind more aggressive markets, digital advancements and products like Lumoral are aligning the country for sustainable growth. As cost barriers lower and patient education increases, the future of implantology in Finland appears more accessible, effective, and patient-centered.
Call to Action:
Dental professionals seeking to enhance implant treatment outcomes should explore integrating digital tools and preventive therapies like Lumoral into their patient protocols.
For further details, visit the official Lumoral website: www.lumoral.com