Prosthetics & implantology - highlighting collaborative surgery at the International Dental Show (IDS) 2013

Dentists and dental technicians have to work together very closely so that prosthetics and implantology can be successfully combined. The dental industry supports such combined dental surgery-lab teams by providing them with a steady stream of new developments in all areas of the two disciplines.

Examples of this include enhanced software, innovative materials and improved interfaces. From 12th to 16th March 2013, the International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne will enable visitors to experience the manufacturers' innovations at first-hand.

For some time now, there's been a strong trend towards digitisation, involving planning software, drill templates made with the aid of computers and CAD/CAM-produced implant superstructures. Today, these techniques greatly simplify processes during implantological and prosthetic surgery and also allow dentists to increasingly involve patients in the planning process. All of this ultimately leads to high-quality results in line with the patient's wishes and financial means.

Navigated implantology and backward planning are the key buzzwords when preparing to insert implants. Key manufacturing techniques can often be used today for prosthetics that are directly screwed on to implants. What's more, their cost efficiency has recently been improved further. Bridges and bridge superstructures, for example, can now be created on the basis of a single dataset. Following consultation with the responsible dental technician, specialized planning or cutting centres can supply labs with precise shapes that serve as an ideal basis for creating aesthetically perfect implants.

If a patient wants to have aesthetically outstanding dental crowns and bridges, many dental technicians like to use zirconium oxide, particularly since this material ensures a high level of flexibility. Zirconium oxide's versatility enables dental technicians to offer price-coordinated solutions. Depending on the patient's financial means, dental technicians can either create fully anatomical solutions or dental work with full or partial veneers. The large number of variants also helps to win over new target groups for prosthetic implants.

The dental industry is supporting this growing trend with a steady stream of new developments for prosthetics as well as for implantology. Every two years, manufacturers present the current state of the art at the world's biggest and most important trade fair for the sector: IDS in Cologne. This not-to-be-missed event for dentists and dental technicians features around 2,000 exhibitors on 145,000 square metres as well as a comprehensive supporting programme that includes numerous product presentations and specialist lectures.

"It's particularly enjoyable to head to Cologne as part of a combined team of dentists and dental technicians. That's because the cooperation of people from labs and dental surgeries is particularly important when dealing with prosthetic implants," says Dr. Markus Heibach, President of the VDDI. "IDS contributes substantially to making this dialogue a success. The fair brings the various members of the dental sector together on equal terms and at the same time serves as a stage for innovations that promote collaboration between labs and dental surgeries."

The International Dental Show (IDS) is held in Cologne every two years. The event is organised by the Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Dental-Industrie mbH (Society for the Promotion of the Dental Industry, GFDI) and the commercial enterprise of the Association of German Dental Manufacturers (VDDI). The trade fair is staged by Koelnmesse GmbH, Cologne.