A VISIT TO THE IMPLANT DENTISTRY SHOW Leave a comment

It was called the implant Dentistry Show and the major sponsor was Straumann, but it was somewhat overtaken by a predominance of stands for Digital Dentistry. While I do understand there is a common interest between the two areas It is difficult to see whether it is sustainable. There was certainly a high level of attendance and interest with a some very well, known names speaking to attentive audiences. A reasonable Saturday morning gentle walk!
Prof. Edwin Scher, Chairman for the meeting, proved popular with his resume on Implant complications. What to do when things go wrong? Clearly an experienced operator who was able to reassure his audience.
Dr Marcus Gambroudes. Took the audience through the restoration of the edentulous patient. Today the increase in demand for full arch restoration with implants has never been greater and looks like a continuing trend. As with all large- cale restoration a degree of experience is positively required and the speaker was able to show examples of successful cases together with the cautions needed before undertaking what is expensive and complex work, for both the clinician and of course the patient.
It is clear that a pathway via experience, with able and dedicated fellow surgeons is the best and most rewarding way to gain experience in this complicated, but rewarding, area of restorative dentistry.
Dr Selvaraj Balaji Demonstrated the rapidly developing GBR techniques around finding enough bone. He showed both horizontal and vertical bone augmentation techniques so necessary if correct implant placement is to be performed. The careful use of membranes and various bone substitute materials were demonstrated by someone who knows how.
Dr Ashok Sethi as a very well-known and experience master in the implant field, tackled the vexed question of Occlusion on implants. The known lack of feedback normally via the epithelium is not present and the potential for parafunctional damage greatly increased if the patient’s working occlusion is not managed well. He presented some clear guidelines for those beginning their Implant restorative journey and cautioned against dogma and blind approaches to this different restorative situation. It was reassuring to hear an acknowledged operator who was clear in his approach.
Dr Neill Millington and Ross Walker presented a new formulae mouthwash which seems to have remarkably good effects within the mouth. Unlike many other mouthwash materials available it does not contain Chlorhexidine. The active ingredients are Sodium Hypochlorite and Phosphoric Acid which effectively removes the Bio-layer and help prevent bacterial build up. An enthusiastic and positive group were confident they had the most effective product for this vital oral hygiene need.
Dr Andrew Dawood is a recognised master in restorative dentistry. His Harley street referral centre is highly respected by his colleagues and fellow professionals. He tackled the tricky subject of complex implant restorations and dealt with it with confidence and insight, helping all who were in the audience to an overview of clear thinking and ability, combined in a committed specialist dentist.
A timely reminder of the difficulties you may face but the knowledge you may know a man who can help you through it.
Dr Matt Perkins spoke of his introduction into Digital Dentistry. Like many of us today seeking this new “miracle method”, he cautioned against going it alone. He stressed the need for knowledgeable back up and support and as you go through the learning curve, of not just changing techniques for everyday dentistry, but getting to know the positives and negatives, of the software package and hardware combination. Very much a topic for today and the coming years. Dental treatments are changing, and the outcomes have the potential to amaze, but not all and so caution with knowledge is required.
Now here was a good idea for clinic or laboratory. A light cured fibre which can be used for the framework for Acrylic bridgework or as an impression aid for transferring implant or crown position from the mouth to the laboratory. Fibre up, light cure and take an overall impression. The material is impressively rigid and a very useful addition to the modern materials choice.
Other changes in the Market place which may be of interest are the acquisition of Ceramet by Darren Shorrocks. After many years working to maintain the longstanding services to the laboratory market Darren has decided to do it for himself with all the original contacts and materials available as before. With his knowledge of the UK. Market it should be a worthwhile investment on his part. This is when the hard work starts for him.
Always a feature of these days at dental shows is the familiar faces of those with whom you may have worked or had dealings with over your working career. Familiar faces often with unfamiliar companies as those with knowledge and experience often move on to further their career or because the original management systems change. It is always a feature of the visit.