Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2015-03-23, 09:31:36 | version 1.33.01
february 2015 — Vol. 10, No. 2 www.dental-tribune.com IMPLANT TRIBUNE The World’s Dental Implant Newspaper · U.S. Edition The Academy of Osseointegration is a recognized international association for professionals interested in implant dentistry, and attendees at its annual meeting represent countries from across the globe. Photo/Provided by the AO AO puts ‘Focus on South Korea’ at its annual meeting Study measures micromotion at implant- abutment interface This study was published in the November/December issue of The International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants (JOMI), the official journal of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO). Background Micromotion at the implant- abutment level has been identified as a major determinant of long-term implant success. Technical problems ranging from screw loosening to screw fracture may occur as a con- sequence of excessive micromotion. Different concepts for the design of the implant-abutment connec- tion have been proposed in the past. These affect micromotion at the re- storative interface as well as the sta- bility of the abutments used. While initial micromotion depends predominantly on the fabrication accuracy achieved, long-term mi- cromotion appears to be related pri- marily to wear phenomena at the implant-abutment interface. Despite the clinical importance of micromotion phenomena at the implant-abutment interface, no uni- versally valid method for quantify- ing this phenomenon has been de- scribed. Key point It cannot be predicted that a certain type of abutment will always lead to a certain level of micromotion. Rela- tive displacement of components occurs at varying magnitudes. How- ever, strict adherence to manufac- turers’ guidelines with respect to tightening torque may help reduce implant-abutment micromotion. Because micromovement occurs during the initial phase of loading, it may be prudent to routinely re- tighten the abutment screws, which might have lost preload. Authors Dr. Matthias Karl, department of prosthodontics, University of Erlangen -Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany; Dr. Thomas D. Taylor, department of reconstructive sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Conn. ” See STUDY, page C2 Symposium will feature AO members from across the globe By Academy of Osseointegration Staff S outh Korea has the world’s high- est per capita use of dental im- plants, and the Asia Pacific area is projected to witness the indus- try’s fastest growth during the next five years. Last year, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced dental implants for patients ages 75 and older would be covered by South Korea’s national health insurance. “South Korea is not only a highly de- veloped implant market but also a leader in clinical research in the dental implant industry,” says Dr. David M. Kim, explain- ing why the Academy of Osseointegra- tion (AO) has dedicated a symposium to South Korea at its 30th annual meeting, to be held in San Francisco in March. “It’s both important and refreshing to see and hear how dentistry is practiced in differ- ent countries.” With 6,000 members from 70 coun- tries, AO is truly an organization with global influence and reach. With that in mind, AO began a new tradition last year by hosting a symposium dedicated to a single country. AO members Drs. David M. Kim and Brian M. Chang will moder- ate this year’s Focus on South Korea Sym- posium. “This symposium is an excellent op- portunity for AO members from across the globe to hear and learn from top- notch speakers — all of whom have a university affiliation, conduct research and see patients on a daily basis,” Kim said. “These presentations will address clinically relevant information that can be applied in the clinic the following Monday.” All three organizations specializing in implant dentistry in South Korea — the Korean Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI), the Korean Acad- emy of Implant Dentistry (KAID), and the Korean Academy of Osseointegration (KAO) — have provided speakers for this symposium. A group of renowned experts from South Korea will address this sympo- sium, in English, and a wide range of clin- ically relevant topics. “This symposium will not just be one- way. We’re going to encourage a lively dis- cussion and interaction both during and after the programming,” Kim said. The Focus on South Korea Symposium will be held from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco during the AO Annual Meeting. For more information and to register, visit www.osseo.org/events/ meetings/2015/index.html. To stay up-to- date on the academy’s news, follow the AO on Facebook and Twitter. Kim is an associate professor at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, as well as the school’s director of the post- graduate program in periodontology and continuing education.