Report: Economy dampens dental implant market

Mar 22, 2009

A new report from Research and Markets finds that although the market for dental implants is poised to achieve significant growth, weaknesses in the global economy and sagging consumer confidence have led to an unprecedented slowdown in the dental market.

Dental implants have been hard hit because they represent the type of consumer spending that is postponed in challenging economic environments, the firm noted in a press release.

General practitioners are tending to treat patients in house with conventional alternative treatments, rather than referring them for implant treatment, according to the press release. In addition, dental labs have become hesitant to invest in dental equipment such as CAD/CAM scanners.

The global dental implant market was 2.3 billion euros ($3.1 billion) in 2008, while the market for crowns and bridges is 3 billion euros ($4 billion), according to the report. The outlook for 2009 is one of a demanding market environment. Deteriorating economic conditions in most markets continue to impact dental implant markets because consumers have less discretionary income.

However, there are bright spots on the horizon, according to Research and Markets.

"Nanotechnology has begun to impact the dental implant market in a dramatic manner," said Susan Eustis, lead author of the study, in a press release. "By increasing the complexity of the surface topography with the addition of nanoscale calcium phosphate crystals, new capabilities are available to clinicians. Surface topography plays a determinant role in the bone bonding phenomenon."

Expanding use of dental implants by dental surgeons and general practitioners indicates a growth market as soon as consumer confidence is stabilized, she added. The technology is achieving a maturity level that makes the implants last longer and work in a more reliable manner, stimulating demand from an aging population.

"This market is poised for rapid growth as soon as the global economy recovers," she stated. As a result, the company expects the global dental market to reach $8.1 billion by 2015.

For more information on "Worldwide Nanotechnology Dental Implant Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, 2009 to 2015," visit the Research and Markets Web site.