Implantology: from science to surgery

Dentsply recently hosted Prof Dr Georgios Romanos for his first tour down under lecturing to the dental profession. The tour began in Auckland and Dr Romanos presented to key professionals there followed by Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, giving over a hundred attendees an excellent insight into his vast experience in implant dentistry.

Dr Romanos began his seminars with a discussion on implant systems and the key factors that should determine implant choice. He wisely pointed out that no one factor should be a key decider, but rather that any implant system needs to be considered holistically. Design, such as a tapered thread and platform switched connection combined with a morse tapered, anti rotational conical implant/abutment connection were concluded to offer key advantages. He supported his findings with numerous clinical studies and published articles, many of which he has conducted on his own or in combination with other specialists (over 200 scientific publications and book chapters!).

Discussion moved towards immediate loading with the ANKYLOS implant system and most attendees found their thinking challenged as Professor Romanos discussed case after case of immediately placed and loaded implants, which he supported with clinical studies and success rates in the high 90 per cent range. Many studies presented to the audience ranged from 5 to 10 years plus as the ANKYLOS implant system has been on the market for over 20 years. This success rate is even more impressive when you consider that many of the patient studies were conducted on less than ideal patients with relatively low inclusion criteria. Further discussions revolved around the therapy of periimplantitis, sinus lift techniques, bone grafting procedures and the application of lasers in implant dentistry.

The most amazing information was presented late in the afternoon, when Dr Romanos discussed his latest research involving immediate loading protocols and the effect of heavy smoking on the success of treatment outcomes. The criteria included patient's that smoked a minimum of a packet a day for a number of years and furthermore were required to continue smoking immediately after implant surgery. The attendees at each lecture were amazed at the positive outcomes and data using the ANKYLOS implant system and the full article is to be published in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants in 2009.

Dr Romanos flew on to Germany for another lecture series after which he headed home to continue his work at the Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester where he is Professor of Clinical Dentistry and Director of the Laser Dentistry Unit. For those colleagues who were unable to attend, watch this space and be sure not to miss him next time he is in town!

Adrian Atyimas Technical Product Manager - Implantology Dentsply (Australia) Pty Ltd