At the 2nd European Congress for Ceramic Implant Dentistry from October 20-22, 2022, more than 180 participants from over 25 countries and 20 internationally best-known speakers discussed the ‘Facts of ceramic implants’. As a result, the congress of the European Society for Ceramic Implantology (ESCI) is one of the world's largest and most important events on the topic of ceramic implantology. Dr Jens Tartsch, ESCI president said, "We are very pleased to have succeeded in setting a milestone for dental implantology with ceramic implants with this event"
The historic Bocken estate at Lake Zurich, with its special ambience and state-of-the-art event technology provided the perfect settings for this event.
The goal of the European Society for Ceramic Implantology is to create an international bridge between scientific research and the clinical application of ceramic implants. Practical insights were therefore provided at the start of the fully booked workshops. Professor Sebastian Kühl (Straumann AG), Josef Choukroun, Elisabeth Jacobi Gresser and Frank-Michael Maier presented the respective implant systems and clinical concepts to the participants.
The main program was divided into three chapters. Top-class speakers answered current questions and provided background information on implantology with ceramic implants in exciting presentations. The congress was opened and moderated by the ESCI president, Jens Tartsch.
In ‘Biomaterial Ceramic’, the background on evidence, material and implant design was discussed.
The first speaker was Professor Ronald Jung, current president of the EAO and clinic director of the Clinic for Reconstructive Dentistry at the Centre for Dental Medicine University of Zurich, who answered the question of why we should consider ceramic implants at all. Subsequently, the vice-president of the ESCI, Dr Stefan Röhling, presented the study situation and evidence of ceramic implants. He assessed it as thoroughly positive. Past president of the Austrian Society of Implantology - ÖGI, Professor Michael Payer, reported on the long-term clinical results, which he impressively substantiated with case studies and study results.
The internationally recognised expert in biomaterials research, Professor Jérôme Chevalier from the National Institute of Applied Sciences INSA Lyon, explained the transformation and ageing processes of zirconia and the development of new bioceramics and manufacturing processes. Professor Ralf Kohal from the University of Freiburg used his studies to show that the stability of ceramic implants for clinical use is certainly given, but it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
The director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Mainz University Medical Center and continuing education officer of the German Society for Implantology DGI, Professor Bilal Al Nawas presented the first important results of the DGI guideline conference on the topic of "ceramic implants" and answered questions about the surface and "hardware".
The first chapter was finished by Professor Tomas Albrektsson, Department of Clinical Sciences University of Gothenburg. He explained the special importance of roughness and purity of implant surfaces also for ceramic implants.
Chapter two, ‘Biological Aspects,’ was all about the biology and immunology of the tissues around titanium and ceramic implants.
Professor Owen Addison from Kings College London and Professor Mattias Pettersson from Umeå Universitet showed in their exciting lectures their research results on the corrosion processes of titanium and titanium implants, metal accumulation in peri-implant tissues and their immunological response. Dr Elisabeth Jacobi Gresser, the representative for continuing education of the German Society for Implantology DGZI, established the clinical connection with the basic research and addressed the immunological diagnostic possibilities.
Pathological findings of the maxillary sinus in DVT and the differences between titanium and ceramic implants in radiological 2- and 3D diagnostics were presented by Professor Michael Bornstein, the Past President of the Swiss Society of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology SGDMFR. This chapter was concluded by the developer and inventor of A-PRF procedures, Josef Choukroun, who discussed osteoimmunology, oxidative stress and the immunology of peri-implantitis.
Chapter three, ‘Clinical Aspects’, was dedicated to the practical application of ceramic implants.
The chairman of the Department of Periodontology of the University of Leuven, Professor Marc Quirynen, explained the various applications and advantages of Leukocyte and Platelet Rich Fibrin in oral surgery as well as the correct application. With many practical examples, the new Open Healing method based on the use of PRF was presented by the president of the Society for Blood Concentrates and Biomaterials, Professor Shahram Ghanaati. This topic, "hard and soft-tissue regeneration", was concluded by Dr Frank Michael Maier, a member of the ESCI board. Using many examples from his practice, he showed that augmentative measures are also necessary for ceramic implants and which ones are promising.
Dr Michael Gahlert impressively demonstrated the many indications for ceramic implants and the approaches, especially for restorations in the esthetic anterior region, based on many cases from his longstanding repertoire. In his multimedia lecture, ESCI board member Professor André Chen explained how the digital workflow can also be implemented with ceramic implants.
Although the ESCI is a European professional society, it has global relevance. Finally, the ESCI guests from North and South America, Dan Hagi and Rodrigo Beltrao presented how complex restorations and full arch restorations can be realised with ceramic implants.
The ESCI sees itself as a hub for outstanding scientific research and for clinical, practical experience. in dental implantology with ceramic implants. At the 2nd European Congress for Ceramic Implant Dentistry, young researchers and all ESCI members were therefore given the opportunity to present their research results and clinical cases in "short lecture sessions". The ESCI Scientific Advisory Board, acting as the award jury, selected the best presentations. The winners were awarded with the ESCI Award 2022, which was presented by Professor Mutlu Özcan and Dr Michael Gahlert as representatives of the advisory board.
The ESCI Award 2022 in the category "best scientific short lecture" was assigned to Erica Roitero. The ESCI Award 2022 in the category "best clinical case presentation" was assigned to Dr Konrad Borer.
A special highlight was the "Open Stage Forum" at the end of the event. All speakers of the congress were gathered on stage to face the critical questions of the audience and the moderator Professor Ralf Kohal and to discuss the future of ceramic implantology. Although the data situation certainly needs to be improved further, there was unanimous agreement that ceramic implants can be recommended for clinical use today - provided the right indications are chosen and the manufacturers' guidelines are followed.
The social program also left nothing to be desired. At the welcome reception in the old vaulted cellar of the country estate, the participants got in the mood for the coming days with saxophone sounds. The ESCI Gala Dinner brought Swiss tradition closer to the international participants with the sounds of the Alphorn and Grisons roast beef. The singer Kelly Kaltsi, who was flown in from Mykonos for the congress, created a real "party atmosphere".
Conclusion of the congress: valuable insights were offered for both the beginner and the experienced user. Ceramic implantology was on par with titanium implants. Ceramic implants were successfully brought out of their "outsider role", scientifically substantiated and the statements made presented in an evidence-based manner. The 2nd European Congress for Ceramic Implant Dentistry was thus able to compete with major events in the titanium sector, not least thanks to its unique speakers.
The next European Congress for Ceramic Implant Dentistry will take place in 2024.