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ePaper created 2015-03-04, 10:43:31 | version 1.33.01
I 03implants1_2015 editorial I Dear colleagues, “Haseverythingbeenseenbefore?Conceptsindentalimplantology”—thiswasthetopicofthe 44th annual meeting of the German Association of Dental Implantology in Düsseldorf last year. I have been active in the field of implantology since the early seventies, and I have seen many trendsanddesignscomeandgo.Theentiretime,Iwasconvincedthatdentalimplantologywould develop into a scientifically recognised dental discipline based on a large number of trial and er- ror attempts. This vision was realised in 1982 when implantology was formally recognised as an advanced field in dentistry by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde (German Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Dentistry). Nowadays, implantology is formally recognised as a dental discipline. Consideringthecurrenttrends,particularlyingeriatricdentistry,itbecomesobviousthatim- plantology will play an important role in the rehabilitation of older patients in the next 20 years. Furthermore,inviewoftheincreasingnumberofedentulouspatients,thereissignificantpoten- tial for treating many people who can benefit from implantology. Ontheonehand,atrendtowardssimplerandcheaperimplantsandtreatmentconceptsisev- ident in the industry; on the other hand, even the market leaders offer special types of implants withdifficultimplantationproceduresatexcessivelyhighprices.Asalogicalconsequence,treat- mentcanbeveryexpensiveowingtohighmaterialcosts.Thisisincontrasttotreatmentconcepts like “All-on-4®”, on which multicentre studies have been conducted, that are promoted to make implants and their benefits affordable for more patients on a social-based level. In my opinion, the current development has both positive and negative aspects. I believe that it poses a particular problem for the newcomer in terms of deciding on standard, large or small, short, or mini implants, or implants of different materials, such as ceramic, as well computer- guidednavigationsystems.Itissuggestedthatthesmallertheimplantsthemoreeasilytheycan be inserted into the jaw without problems, perhaps with navigation, maybe without requiring a flapprocedure.Dailypracticeoftenshowsusotherresultsandveteransinourdisciplinewillsmile becausetheyknowabouttheproblemsandfailures.Considerthatthesurgeonisnotarobotand behind the implant there is a human being. Comparison here to the speed of vehicles seems fit- ting: exceeding the speed limit on the highway may result in a fine; exceeding the speed limit in implantology may lead to implant failure and court for the implantologist. Let’s see what the upcoming International Dental Show in Cologne will present to us. With best regards, Dr Rolf Vollmer First Vice-President and Treasurer of the German Association of Dental Implantology Theroleof implantologyinthe upcomingyears Dr Rolf Vollmer