Events

Dental implant therapy is a growing part of mainstream practice for which therapeutic success must be assured. The intent of this presentation is to increase our awareness of the challenges facing the consistent practice of dental implant therapy and to assure implant therapeutic excellence. We Fwill begin by examining by example what is known about implant therapy outcomes and distill a list of challenges that face us all. Next, we will explore the current technology available to improve the planning and execution of dental implant therapies from a single tooth scenario to complex full mouth reconstruction.  Placing and restoring implants that result in truly excellent outcomes is based on excellence in planning, but we will identify some of the important aspects of delivery of excellent dental implant restorations. In particular, we will explore some simplified workflows and material choices that can positively influence our dental implant success. Our placement of dental implants is often considered and taught as an acute intervention – something that we do and move on from. In fact, the placement of a dental implant is actually the intended creation of a chronic condition within the mouth and one that can have challenging and time-dependent consequences. We will spend some time considering how the choices we make in the process of providing implants for our patients influences the possible longevity of dental implant therapy. These four general themes will be explored through illustrated case scenarios and the sharing of data where possible. Returning to our practices with these in mind can provide further assurances for reproducible therapeutic success, patient satisfaction and professional rewards.