Planning for long-term success - Dentistry Show

The periodontal health of your patients is a priority when performing any treatment modality. Whether providing orthodontic appliances, endodontic procedures or cosmetic elements such as whitening, the health of the soft tissue can determine the longevity of results achieved and ultimately the success of treatment.

This is no more true than when placing dental implants. In order to ensure long-term stability of implants, as well as the patient’s health, their periodontal condition must be assessed carefully and treated where necessary before implant treatment is even considered. Scrupulous oral hygiene must also be emphasised as part of the postoperative patient instructions, reducing their risk of developing peri-implant mucositis or the more advanced peri-implantitis.

Currently, it is thought that peri-implant mucositis affects just under 50% of patients with implants between 9-14 years after placement,[i] although due to its reversible nature, its prevalence is thought to be underestimated.

Tackling the issues surrounding periodontal disease and providing a platform from which to update your knowledge, the PerioLounge will once again return to The Dentistry Show, designed in collaboration with the British Society of Periodontology (BSP). Leading professionals in the field will explore various different areas associated with periodontal health, offering practical advice and guidance to ensure that you deliver the highest possible standard of care to all your patients.

Discussing the effects of periodontal health specifically with regards to dental implants will be Dr Amit Patel, Specialist in Periodontics. Currently practising at Birmingham Dental Specialist, Dr Patel also runs an intensive training course at the Birmingham Dental Hospital on Periodontal and Soft Tissue Aesthetic Considerations in Implant Dentistry.

“Undiagnosed periodontal disease is a very common reason for the increasing amount of litigation in dentistry, and is also a contributing factor in the failure of a range of treatments – particularly implants,” he says. “Not all practitioners providing implants seem to be adequately trained – some do not habitually probe implants during follow up appointments, for example, and this is simply a lack of understanding.

“My session at The Dentistry Show will cover exactly what should be done in order to encourage success of each and every implant case. Treatment planning is key to preventing potential problems, as clinicians can prepare effectively. Following strict protocols during this stage will not only help practitioners avoid any periodontal problems, but also effectively treat those that do occur.

“A full assessment should be completed in order to identify any predispositions the patient may have, and the treatment plan should involve eliminating as many as possible for enhanced treatment provision and reduced risk of implant failure. The same information can be used to maintain implants once placed, encouraging faster healing and long-lasting results. It is worth mentioning also that in the modern profession, implants are of course only recommended when no other, less invasive alternatives are available. After all, teeth can last a lifetime, implants can’t, and to make sure our patients make a good investment we need to get it right first time. I hope to raise awareness of how periodontal disease can affect the longevity and stability of implants, and offer some relatively simple techniques to help delegates treat the disease.”

Dr Patel also encourages teamwork and close collaboration between the dental team in order to further increase the chances of successful treatment.

“Dental implants, like all areas of modern dentistry, involve the whole dental team, so a collaborative approach should be taken every time. Especially with regards to postoperative follow up care, it is important that any professional seeing the patient can recognise symptoms of disease, including the dental hygienist and nurse. As such, my session at The Dentistry Show will be suitable for all members to attend.”

Aside from the BSP PerioLounge, The Dentistry Show 2015 will present a wide selection of other educational and networking opportunities. With a focus on all areas of the profession, the new EndoLounge will host a line-up of leading speakers in the field of endodontics. Delivered in partnership with the British Endodontic Society (BES), the two-day lecture programme will provide indispensible hints and tips to help you broaden your skills.

The Short-Term-Orthodontic Lounge will also return in 2015, as well as an array of live clinical demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Conference Theatres dedicated to each member of the dental team will host further sessions covering all areas of clinical treatment, career progression and business guidance, with free verifiable CPD available throughout.

And adding to the excitement even more, the brand new Launchpad UK will ensure you have access to the very latest products, technologies and materials to hit the UK market. With the event’s new dates of Friday 17^th and Saturday 18^th April, it will follow the 2015 IDS, ensuring you are at the very cutting-edge of the industry’s innovations.

So whether you wish to advance your clinical skills, are looking to take the next step in your career or hope to source the best technology and equipment for your practice, The Dentistry Show 2015 has it all. Book your free delegate pass online today!

The Dentistry Show and DTS 2015 - Friday 17^th and Saturday 18^th April, NEC in Birmingham. For further details visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk,

call 020 7348 5269 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.