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ePaper created 2018-05-16, 11:45:19 | version 1.38.0
Dr. Diego Lops received his Doctor of Den- tistry in 2001. In 2004, he completed a postgraduate qualification in advanced oral surgery and maxillary reconstructive techniques at the Université Paris Diderot, France. One year later, he completed a master’s degree in innovative techniques in oral implantology and prosthetic rehabil- itation at the University of Milan, Italy. Since obtaining a PhD in implant dentistry and prosthetic rehabilitation from the same uni- versity, he has lectured on prosthodontics and implant dentistry at the Peking Univer- sity School of Stomatology, China. He also works and teaches at the implantology department of the University of Milan. INTERVIEW with — Dr. Diego Lops Q: Dr. Lops, you are considered an expert in implantology. What is the state of implantol- ogy today? A: Basically, there are two approaches to implantology: The old one, which pursues a simple filling of edentulous sites by means of devices supporting something that is far from a natural tooth appear- ance—this approach does not consider a harmonious and global treatment plan— and the new approach aided by techno- logical advancements as available to clini- cians today. The new approach to implantology aims to restore the natural appearance of the patient’s smile through a global implant treatment plan, digital diagnosis, 3-D implant placement, new all-ceramic materials for implants and considering the adjacent natural teeth. Such an approach is the only one that can provide functionality and predictable es- thetics in implantology. Q: What have the major advancements in implantology been in terms of technology and science? A: Digital solutions have continued to im- prove the entire implantology workflow, now covering diagnosis (CBCT scans), treatment planning (digital and guided surgery) and surgical procedures (guided surgery). Moreover, new all-ceramic ma- terials are available with better biomechan- ical and esthetic performance. The results are more reliable and predictable in terms of the long-term prognosis of the rehabil- itation and have a more natural appearance in harmony with the adjacent teeth. 24 — issue 2018 Digital Workflow in Esthetics Interview