Long-term task periodontitis therapy: The International Dental Show (IDS) 2019 offers the right support

In dentistry it is about securing patients the longest possible retention of their natural teeth in a healthy, functional, aesthetically acceptable and pain-free state. Periodontology provides the essential prerequisites for this through the maintenance of integral structures of the periodontium. The biggest adversary here is periodontitis. How can it be prevented, stopped, repressed? The visitors can find practise-oriented answers at the International Dental Show (IDS), from 12 to 16 March 2019 in Cologne.

The exhibition halls offer established as well as innovative methods of periodontitis therapy and prevention. Regular follow-up care (UPT, recall) is essential for long-term success. This involves the dentist checking and improving the oral hygiene, regularly measuring the probing depths and filling the pockets where necessary. IDS shows the entire range of cutting-edge tools. These include periodontal probes made of a wide range of substances (i.e. plastic, carbon, titanium). There are also pressure-calibrated alternatives among them, so that the load limit (=20 grammes) is not exceeded. Manual tools, ultrasound and powder jet systems are available for the classic scaling and root-planing - in particular special ergonomic executions. This is therapy-appropriate because marathon-like staying power is required precisely when treating periodontitis.

It should be worthwhile taking a look at the delicate approaches that rely on the strengths of subgingival tools, on low-abrasive powder for the re-instrumentation - and also on current software offers. In this way, if necessary they can document complete periodontal states with probing depths and attachment losses on up to six points per tooth as well as a furcation participation, differentiated according to gradings as well as changes over the time. An interface to the regular allocation of appointments for patients provides a close linking to biofilm and recall management. Because "keeping appointments" and "consistently sticking at it" are the key to success in periodontology.

Furthermore all options for the adjuvant therapy can be assessed at the IDS, for example laser-controlled methods (i.e. photo-dynamic therapy) and immune modulation (i.e. probiotic provision) as well as the application of antimicrobial substances (i.e. chlorhexidine, antibiotics). Beyond the minimally invasive methods, surgical operations are of course also interesting (lobe OP, soft tissue transplantations). Depending on the case at hand these cannot be avoided and then special tools are required. Today these can also include lasers for cuts with low trauma (i.e. 445 nanometre diode laser).

In order to be able to assess the inflammation situation of the affected periodontal pockets more accurately, the visitors of the IDS can examine the exhibited bacteria and DNA tests, among others marker germ tests (i.e. for porphyromonas gingivalis (PG), tannerella forsythia (TF) and treponema denticola (TD) from the red complex) as well as testing for aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (AA) - in some cases as a chairside method. The risk of genetic-based periodontitis (interleukine-1ß-polymorphism test) can also be determined or tissue destruction processes can be assessed (i.e. testing for matrix metallproteinases-8 (aMMP-8) in the gingival fluid) to enable an accurate forecast and treatment planning.

"The coming IDS offers attractive innovations in many areas from the diagnostic process to the supporting periodontal therapy, through to periodontal surgery," emphasised Mark Stephen Pace, Chairman of the VDDI. "Thus there are increasingly more effective options for the prevention and therapy of the growing need for treatment in the periodontitis section. At the International Dental Show in Cologne this progress can be experienced close-up. With tangible product innovations and direct contact to the respective manufacturers, IDS offers all visitors real added value."

The IDS (International Dental Show) takes place in Cologne every two years and is organised by the GFDI Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Dental-Industrie mbH, the commercial enterprise of the Association of German Dental Manufacturers (VDDI). It is staged by the Koelnmesse GmbH, Cologne.