From digital workflows to game-changing research

For over 500 years, the Royal College of Physicians has continually championed breakthroughs in British medicine and healthcare.

And this dedication to clinical excellence was reflected by the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI), which hosted the Members National Forum last week.

The biennial celebration of implantology was packed with lectures and ground-breaking discoveries, with 25 speakers from across the sector.

Among them was Dr Jakub Batycki of the Portland Street Implant and Dental Clinic.

He explored the osteoimmunological impact of immediate versus delayed implant placements, while dental technician, Kristina Vaitelyte, focused on digitally planning cases to save chair time – a presentation filled with innovative technological demonstrations.

In the clinical theatre, attendees heard from Dr Sally Rayment on how Botox could be used in the dental chair.

Pedestalled as a game-changing treatment for patients who break everything, her talk emphasised the simplicity of Botox and its minimally-invasive, evidence-based approach.

Patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can also benefit from the treatment, helping protect implants from bruxism.

Similarly thought provoking was Dr Ahmed Naji’s 20-minute session on autologous platelet concentrates (APCs), which assessed each distinct biological composition and evaluated the research around them.

By better understanding each APC, clinicians can identify the optimal clinical scenarios in which they can be applied for enhanced patient outcomes.

A leading figure in the implant field, Dr Selvaraj Balaji’s session revolved around ‘the power of not knowing’, forcing delegates to reflect on previous treatments and their own clinical growth over the years.

By showcasing complex cases, some successful, others not, Dr Balaji gave an honest and illuminating perspective on how to manage complications such as hard and soft tissue defects.

ADI member, Dr Marina George, said of the day: “The diverse topics by the speakers were very informative and clinically relevant; an interesting mix of digital workflow and clinical cases.

“The highlight of the event was the lecture by Dr Batycki – the research work was very useful in understanding the role of immunological markers in implant dentistry.”