I have many times heard the argument that there is no need to try to fix something that is not broken. It is so true that impressions have their place and there are certainly limitations to the digital workflow that anyone using the technology should be aware of. For me, however, the benefits of digital far outweigh the disadvantages. In fact, the disadvantages are the same as with conventional techniques.

Chairside CAD/CAM single-visit restorations have been possible for over 20 years, but it was only recently that we became able to mill chairside implant crown restorations after the release of Variobase (Straumann) and similar abutments. I made my first CEREC crown (Dentsply Sirona) back in 2003 with a powdered scanner, and the difference from what I remember then to how we can make IPS e.max stained and glazed restorations (Ivoclar Vivadent) now is amazing.

An investment not an expense

The results of a survey regarding the use of CAD/ CAM technology were published online in the British Dental Journal on 18 November 2016. Over a thousand dentists were approached online to take part in the survey and the 385 who replied gave very interesting responses. The majority did not use CAD/CAM technology, and the main barriers were initial cost and a lack of perceived advantage over conventional methods.

Thirty per cent of the respondents reported being concerned about the quality of the chairside CAD/CAM restorations. This is a valid point. We must not let ourselves lose focus that our aim should always be to provide the best level of dentistry possible. For me, digital dentistry is not about a quick fix; it is about raising our performance and improving predictability levels by reducing human error.

In the survey, 89 per cent also said they believed CAD/CAM technology had a major role to play in the future of dentistry. I really cannot imagine that once a dentist has begun using digital processes that he or she would revert to conventional techniques.

What is digital implant dentistry?

Many implant clinicians have probably been using CAD/CAM workflows without even realising it, as many laboratories were early adopters, substituting the lost-wax technique and the expense of gold for fully customised cobalt–chromium milled abutments (Fig. 1).

One of my most important goals in seeking to be a successful implantologist is to provide a dental implant solution that is durable. We have seen a massive rise in the incident of peri-implantitis and have found that a large proportion of these cases can be attributed to cement inclusion from poorly designed cement-retained restorations (Fig. 2). Even well designed fully customised abutments and crowns can have cement inclusion if the restoration is not carefully fitted (Fig. 3). This has led to a massive rise in retrievability of implant restorations, with screw-retained crowns and bridges now being the goal. However, making screw-retained prostheses places even greater emphasis on treatment planning and correct implant angulation.

With laboratories as early adopters, we have been milling titanium or zirconia customised abutments for over ten years (Fig. 4). What has changed recently in the digital revolution is the rise of the intraoral scanner. We now have a workflow in which we can take a preoperative intraoral scan and combine this with a CT scan using coDiagnostiX (Dental Wings) in order to plan an implant placement accurately and safely. We can also create a surgical guide to aid in accurate implant placement, have a temporary crown prefabricated for the planned implant position and then take a final scan of the precise implant position for the final prosthesis.

Accuracy of intraoral scanners

Figures 4 to13 show the workflow for preoperative scanning, which includes the implant design, guide fabrication and surgical placement of two fixtures. Intraoral scanners have improved over the last few years, and their accuracy and speed provide a viable alternative to conventional impression taking. The digital scan image comes up in real time and you can evaluate your preparation and quality of the scan on the screen immediately. Seeing the preparation blown up in size no doubt improves the technical quality of your tooth preparations. The scan can then be sent directly to the laboratory for processing.

While we do not think of intraoral scanners as being any more accurate than good-quality conventional impressions, there are many benefits of scanning, such as no more postage to be paid for impressions, vastly reduced cost of impression materials, almost zero re-impression rates and absolute predictability.

Of course, there are steep learning curves with the techniques, but once a clinician has learnt the workflow, there really is no looking back.

We have three different scanners in the practice: the iTero (Align Technology), the CEREC Omnicam (Dentsply Sirona) and the Straumann CARES Intraoral Scanner (Dental Wings; Fig. 14). The CEREC Omnicam is fantastic for simple chairside CAD/CAM restorations, such as IPS e.max all-ceramic restorations on Variobase abutments. For truly aesthetic results, we, of course, still have a very close working relationship with our laboratory, but, undoubtedly, patients love the option of restoration in a day. Being able to scan an implant abutment and then an hour later (to allow for staining and glazing) fitting the definitive restoration is a game changer. Patients also love watching the production process as they see their tooth being milled from an IPS e.max block.

Figures 15–19 show the production process, including the exposure of the implant, the abutment seating, the scan flag on top of the abutment, the healing abutment during fabrication and the delivery of the final prosthesis. However, for more than single units or aesthetic single-unit cases, we use the iTero and Straumann scanners. The latter we have only had at our disposal since February. While it is a powdered system at the moment, this is due to change this month. Particularly with implant restorations, the need to apply a scanning powder is a limitation, owing to a lack of moisture control contaminating the powder. The technology, however, is superb, as is the openness of the system, which provides the advantage of being able to export files into planning software. A colleague of mine even uses it for his orthodontic cases now instead of wet impressions.

We invested in the iTero scanner five years ago and have used it for everything, from simple conventional crowns and bridges to scanning for full-mouth rehabilitations. When fabricating definitive bridgework, we use Createch Medical frameworks for screw-retained CAD/CAM-milled titanium and cobalt–chromium frameworks. Even though intraoral scanning appears extremely reproducible and accurate, I still use verification jigs where needed to ensure our frameworks are as accurate as possible. There are many intricacies that we consider and tips and techniques that we employ to make the scans more accurate that we have developed over time. The closer the scanbodies are together, the more accurate the scan is. Also, the more anatomical detail, such as palatal rugae or mucosal folds, the better the scans can be stitched together.

Figure 20 shows a CBCT volume to aid in planning for mandibular implant placement (Fig. 21) and realising the implant placement. We exposed the fixtures and placed Straumann Mono Scanbodies (Fig. 22). Then, we took an iTero scan of the fixtures in situ (Fig. 23) and made a verification jig from this (Fig. 24) to ensure passive implant positioning. The iTero models were made (Fig. 25) and a Createch titanium framework was used to support porcelain in a screw-retained design (Fig. 26). The last two figures show the excellent outcome and accurate framework seating (Figs. 27 & 28).

Choosing your workflow

There are many different systems on the market now, each offering a one-stop shop. If you are considering investing in a digital scanner, then take some advice from colleagues. One of the most important things is to ensure the system you opt for is an open one that allows you to extract the digital impression data into different software. We extract our files into CT planning software, model production software, chairside milling for stents, temporaries and definitive restorations, and now orthodontic planning software. I am convinced there will be yet more advances with time. The size of the camera is critical—some can be very cumbersome—and it is worth asking the salesperson what developments are underway.

Some companies are more on the cutting edge than others. My favourite at the moment is the Straumann scanner. Its design is light and user-friendly and it synchronises perfectly with implant planning software coDiagnostiX. Furthermore, while it offers a chairside milling unit, it also synchronises perfectly with my laboratory for larger cases.

To conclude, digital implant dentistry is the future and so why not take advantage of it and help improve your clinical outcomes?

Editorial note: A list of references is available from the publisher. This article was published in CAD/CAM - international magazine of digital dentistry No. 03/2017.

Mr Küpper, would you kindly share with our readers a little about your present role and your background?
It is my role to oversee our offices in Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan. With a team of over 80, we currently organise 15 trade fairs in the region, and we are also first point of contact for all clients who wish to exhibit at any Koelnmesse trade fair worldwide.

Personally, I have been based in Singapore and various locations in Asia Pacific for over 20 years, and it is my ambition to ensure that Koelnmesse’s entire portfolio is strongly represented across the region. Through our trade fairs, we offer our clients easy access to one of most exciting and fastest-growing markets in the world.

Busy clinicians are limited in the number of functions they can attend in a given year. In your opinion, what sets IDEM apart from other shows?
Held every two years, IDEM is the only one-stop shop for the entire region, offering a unique blend of a fully booked exhibition featuring leading industry players alongside a comprehensive scientific conference boasting well-known speakers and cutting-edge topics.

IDEM stands out from other shows with its unparalleled focus on fostering innovation, collaboration and education within the dental community. This convergence of expertise and innovation creates an immersive experience where attendees can not only discover the latest advancements but also engage in meaningful discussions and networking opportunities.

Recognising the time constraints faced by dental professionals, IDEM curates its programme to deliver maximum value in a condensed time frame. The carefully curated line-up of exhibitors, conference sessions and workshops allows attendees to efficiently explore the latest products, techniques and trends. This allows them to stay at the forefront of their field without sacrificing precious time away from their practice.

“IDEM is the only one-stop shop for the entire region.”

Could you give us a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes efforts required to make such an event a success?
The success of IDEM relies on meticulous planning, coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders. Behind the scenes, our team at Koelnmesse, in collaboration with the Singapore Dental Association, works tirelessly to orchestrate every aspect of the event, ensuring that it unfolds seamlessly from start to finish.

Our team identifies key themes, trends and topics of interest to the dental community and leverages our extensive network to secure top-notch exhibitors, speakers and sponsors who can provide valuable insights and expertise.

As the event approaches, our focus shifts to logistics, marketing and attendee experience. From designing the exhibition layout to managing registration, catering and on-site support services, every detail is carefully considered to enhance the overall experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Throughout the process, communication and collaboration are paramount. We work closely with our partners, vendors and industry stakeholders to ensure that everyone is aligned with our vision for the event and that all aspects of planning and execution are executed flawlessly.

For those attending IDEM for the first time and perhaps also visiting Singapore for the first time, do you have any recommendations for making the most of their visit?
For first-time attendees at IDEM and visitors to Singapore, I recommend taking advantage of the diverse offerings both the event and the city have to offer. Prioritise your schedule by identifying key exhibitors, sessions and networking opportunities that align with your interests and goals ahead of the event on the IDEM digital platform, IDEM360+.

Start by exploring the exhibition floor, where you’ll find a wide range of exhibitors showcasing the latest products, technologies and services in dentistry. Take the time to visit booths that pique your interest, engage with exhibitors and ask questions to learn more about their offerings.

In addition to the exhibition, make sure to attend some of the conference sessions and workshops, where you’ll have the opportunity to hear from leading experts in the field and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in dentistry.

Outside of the event, take some time to explore Singapore’s rich cultural heritage, culinary scene and iconic landmarks. Singapore offers a wealth of experiences to enrich your visit. These include visiting the Gardens by the Bay, exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Little India, and enjoying a meal at a hawker centre.

“IDEM is not just an event; it’s a community-driven platform dedicated to advancing dental care and fostering industry connections.”

Do you have any words for clinicians or companies who have attended past IDEM events and are considering a return?
To clinicians and companies considering a return to IDEM, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for their continued support and participation. IDEM is not just an event; it’s a community-driven platform dedicated to advancing dental care and fostering industry connections.

Returning attendees can expect even more opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration at IDEM 2024. With an expanded line-up of exhibitors, speakers and educational sessions, there is something for everyone at IDEM, whether you are a seasoned practitioner seeking to stay abreast of the latest developments or a new entrant eager to explore the world of dentistry.

In addition to the educational and networking opportunities, returning attendees can look forward to reconnecting with colleagues and industry partners, forging new relationships and discovering innovative solutions to enhance their practice.

We are committed to ensuring that IDEM 2024 exceeds your expectations and provides a valuable and rewarding experience for all participants. We look forward to welcoming you back and continuing our shared journey of growth and excellence.

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