Biomechanics and implant dentistry

Implant dentists and their patients use aesthetics, function, tissue stability and material durability as fundamental objectives in treatment. When complications occur, however, we routinely defer to the principles of biomechanics and soft tissue management.

The 5th Biennial Conference of the Australasian Osseointegration Society presents a program which thoughtfully attends to these treatment objectives and complication issues. The plenary sessions provide international perspectives on aesthetics, imaging, interface biology, biomechanics and implant orthodontics. Concurrent sessions, pre-conference and post-conference workshops comprise lectures (some with hands-on training) in all-ceramic restorations, digital photography, practice management and exclusive programs with our six Platinum Sponsors (3i Implant Innovations, Astra Tech, Halas, Innova, Nobel Biocare Australia and Straumann).

Implant biomechanics is a complex clinical issue because there are a large number of variables among the physiological and componentry systems. When we design the implant scheme and restoration, aside from our fundamental treatment objectives, we are compelled by physical limitations defined under biomechanical principles. When an implant restoration fails, we first seek out breaches of these same biomechanical principles.

The earliest literature on biomechanics in implant dentistry in the 1970-80's were empirical engineering models during the discipline/industry's formative and developmental years. As clinical reports on treatment complications subsequently emerged, so did clinical refinement of these original models.

Three international implant experts in a single plenary session on Friday, 21 October 2005 (8:45am-12:45pm) will present how biomechanical principles influence their clinical practice. Risk factors, short implants, osseoperception and immediate function are their lecture topics and all are visible issues within our own cases. The assembly of Professor Daniel van Steenberghe, Dr Franck Renouard and Dr Paulo Malo in a single plenary session is a rare moment for our region. Very few of us can lay claim to their specialist and sub-specialist experiences in reporting, research and development. The biomechanics plenary session (Saturday, 22 October 2005 - 8:45am-12:30pm) is an important half-day for clinicians who seek to define and refine their understanding of the clinical relevance of biomechanics.

Our Platinum Sponsors have also included topics related to biomechanics among their lectures. These include immediate placement, early and immediate loading, implant design, implant surfaces and implant fracture. Presenters are from both overseas and our own shores. The conference Trade Exhibition will provide ample opportunity for delegates to peruse their material at the closest level.

Implant Orthodontics is becoming a clinical reality. It is also a conspicuous benefactor of implant biomechanical modelling. The implant orthodontics plenary session addresses this major clinical application of implant biomechanics. Dr Frank Celenza Jnr, an American dual-qualified Periodontist-Orthodontist, is an expert on implants and orthodontic anchorage, his topic for the session.

From a biomechanics perspective, therefore, the AOS 5th Biennial Conference has ample material to help guide us through the complexities of implant biomechanics, from experts who are currently researching, developing and reporting.

Beyond the international lectures, workshops and trade exhibits for implant dentists, their technicians and their practice teams, there is of course the enormous opportunity to discuss conference material and personal experiences with colleagues. Any individual whom hasn't taken away something new or better by the end of this conference has simply not looked hard enough, drank too much at the socials, or knows it all already.

Dr Ken Hooi­
Biennial Conference Organising Committee
Australasian Osseointegration Society Ltd