Imaging and implants on the agenda

Imaging has always held a mandatory role in implant treatment planning. Radiography and photography are the primary objective records from which each case may be planned, discussed, referred, transferred (if the patient relocates), clinically reviewed and dento-legally reviewed.

Imaging requirements have grown with the development of each treatment indication. Early osseointegration exponents developed rehabilitation techniques for the edentulous mandible in the 1960-70's which required panoramic and cephalometric radiographs with radiopaque denture markers. Following international recognition of clinical implant treatment at the Toronto Conference in 1982, the dental profession and industry adapted and consolidated the imaging, surgical and restorative techniques of these pioneers.

Interest, research and development subsequently expanded into the edentulous maxilla and shorter span restorations. The need for cross-sectional imaging (Tomograms and Computerised Tomography) grew as clinicians required an awareness of other surgical sites such as the posterior mandible and posterior maxilla.

As surgical techniques for the augmentation of bone and soft tissue arose in the 1990's, along with remote maxillofacial modalities (eg. zygomatic implants), the shift to restorative-driven implant planning gave rise to many clinical case-reported diagnostic techniques that included some form of visualised treatment outcome (VTO). The intention was the transfer of VTO information from laboratory to radiographic survey, onto surgery, and then finally to restorative procedures.

In 2005, our intent remains the same as more dentists become involved in implant treatment, and treatment plans continue, perhaps indefinitely, to be restorative-driven. Imaging requirements, however, are guided not only by clinical indication, but also by other issues such as radiation exposure and biological risk, and legal risk management.

The profession is fortunate that the industry has followed in the wake of an increasing demand for more refined techniques of imaging and VTO information transfer. This of course includes systems developed by other dental disciplines, and other industries, which have been adapted for implant treatment. Obvious examples include digital radiography and Computer Aided Design-Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CAD/CAM).

The AOS 5th Biennial Conference Scientific Program opens with its Imaging and Implants Session. Three leading international experts will discuss current techniques and requirements of radiographic and photographic imaging, and the efficient transfer of VTO information along the planning (navigation) and treatment execution (CAD/CAM) pathways.

The lectures of Prof. Daniel van Steenberghe, Dr Franck Renouard and Ms Rita Bauer reach out to all levels of experience.

What you take away from these imaging and planning lectures can enhance your understanding of all other clinical, technical and technological issues raised during the conference.

Ken Hooi
Biennial Conference Organising Committee
Australasian Osseointegration Society Ltd

Speaker update

Due to a car accident, Dr Frank Celenza, Jnr will be unable to travel to Australia. The AOS and Imtec announce Dr Jason Cope, a private practice orthodontist from Dallas, Texas as a presenter in the plenary sessions. Dr Cope will be presenting lectures on the topic of orthodontic transitional anchorage devices (TADS), concentrating on how they work and the common pitfalls. He is widely published in his young career and has been recognized with six national awards for his PhD dissertation/research in distraction osteogenesis.