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implants - international magazine of oral implantology

I interview _ EAO 46 I implants3_2011 implantation, augmentation, as well as prosthetic and surgical therapy. However, paradigms are be- ginning to shift, especially in cases with high re- quirements for aesthetics and for procedures, like for immediate-load implants. In these areas, we are noticing a technical leap forward in digital im- aging and computer-assisted implantation. In my opinion, these things have proven worthy to be discussed extensively. _Whatarethemostcommonmistakesinimplant treatmentplanningnowadays? Prof Friedrich Neukam: Generally, we have to takesomedegreeoferrorintoaccountwhentrans- ferring the results from the analysis of X-rays, CBCT or CT images to the final treatment protocol. An- other important matter is the complexity of treat- ment planning with regard to the treatment proto- col selected. Things are in flux here as well and the congress hopes to offer some clarification, espe- cially for colleagues working in private practice. _The increasing use of digital instrumentation has broken new experimental ground in almost all clinicalareasindentistry.Whatimpacthasithadon implant-basedrestorations? Prof Friedrich Neukam: The use of digital in- strumentation based on 3-D imaging has brought new dimensions to implant therapy. With the help oftheseinnovations,ithasbecomepossibleforden- tal practitioners to get a highly precise, 3-D repre- sentation of the local soft-tissue conditions, bone structure,andthelossofhardandsofttissuecaused by resorption. This has given us a number of new therapeutic approaches. For me, the main advan- tage is that by using these techniques our knowl- edge is now far greater before we actually start a treatment,sothatweareabletoachieveamorepre- cise and safer implantation for our patients. _EAOcongressesareconsideredtobeexception- ally well-organised events. How has cooperation beenwithlocalorganisersinGreece? Prof Friedrich Neukam: Asusual,theEAOCon- gressisorganisedincooperationwithlocalscientific organisations. This year, the Hellenic Association for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Greek Society for Osseointegration, and the Hellenic Society of Peri- odontology have helped with the preparations. This cooperationhasturnedoutveryfruitfulandIwould like to take the opportunity to thank all colleagues from these associations for their support. In addition to the main scientific programme of the EAO Congress, they have also been organising their own meeting, the “Greek Session”, which will givecongressparticipantsfromallovertheworldthe opportunitytoinformthemselvesaboutthecurrent statusoftechnologiesandtrends,aswellasthehigh level of implantology in Greece. Together with the Paris Team of the Colloquium Group we have invested a great deal of attention to detail and effort into the preparations for the Con- gress, as well as in the scientific and auxiliary pro- grammesandweareveryconfidentthatparticipants canlookforwardtoahighlyprofessionallyorganised event. _Whatareyourpersonalandprofessionalexpec- tationsofthecongress? Prof Friedrich Neukam: For someone like me havingbeenpersonallyinvolvedinthepreparations, one first hopes that the congress will be a success. It is my sincere belief that all involved in our field will be able to learn a lot from the scientific studies that are being conducted, as well as from colleagues around the world who will be presenting their latest scientific data. Personally, I am also looking forward to the exhi- bition. The EAO Congress will present the largest showcase of implantology-related products and technologies in Europe, and I am eager to see which noveltiestheindustrywillpulloutofthehat.Notfor- getting the numerous talks and exchanges with friends and colleagues, whom, unfortunately, I only have the pleasure to meet during our congress. Last but not least, I am looking forward to seeing Athens, which has been the cultural, economic and scientific centre of Greece for over 7,000 years. Thank you very much for this interview. Editorial note: The interview was led by Daniel Zimmer- mann, Germany. Translation provided by Annemarie Fischer,Germany. “The use of digital instrumentation based on 3-D imaging has brought new dimensions to implant therapy.” Prof Friedrich Neukam