Scratching at the surface of implants
A highlight of the scientific programme on the first day of the FDI Annual World Dental Congress was the session on the history and future of implants. Presented by renowned researchers and key voices in implantology such as Professors Ann Wennerberg, Tomas Albrektson, Bjorn Klinge and Tord Berglundh, the topics covered the benefits and risks with oral implants, virtual planning of implant surgery and bridgework, peri-implantitis and surface modifications for enhanced tissue integration.
Professors Wennerberg and Albrektson, both from the University of Gothenburg’s School of Dentistry, briefly spoke about their presentations and the challenges facing implant dentistry today. “The implant surface is known to be of importance for the biological response to the implant. All events that occur towards a surface depend on its mechanical, physical, chemical and topographical properties. Implant surface topography has gained a huge interest during the last 15 years, especially from those with commercial interests,” says Wennerberg.
According to her, claims have been made about surfaces with unique properties for fast and first osseointegration by various manufacturers over the years. She feels there is still a great deal to learn about implant surfaces and research should continue to explore customised solutions for compromised patients. “Despite what evidence has shown us of surfaces at the micrometer level, at the nanometer level we still know very little,” she says. It is in this area that she feels lies great potential for future development.
Compared with the pharmaceutical industry, which can take up to 10 years from innovation to product sales, says Albrektson, the implant market tends to rush products to market, without consideration for detailed clinical data. This is a result of the fierce competition between implant manufacturers, he acknowledges, but feels there is still a need for clinical data to be published, even in preliminary phase, to equip dentists with adequate information when choosing implant systems. “Today it is a big industry; 25 years ago there was nothing,” he explains, adding that the rapid progression of the industry has been both beneficial and detrimental. The need for stricter regulations on implant product development is evident, but still some way from becoming realised on regional or global levels.
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