In the latest episode of Just Ask, Daniel Thoma and Ausra Ramanauskaite joined host Garrett Heiko to discuss the outcomes of the 2021 EAO Consensus Conference. The session delved into two critical topics from the conference: soft tissue management and peri-implantitis.
Daniel, who chaired the soft tissue management group, explained the growing importance of this field, especially as dental implant research has shifted from focusing primarily on bone to include soft tissue around implants. The group highlighted systematic reviews on soft tissue augmentation and its benefits in preventing recession and improving aesthetics. While the timing of soft tissue procedures remains uncertain, the consensus was clear that these techniques are beneficial, particularly in the aesthetic zone.
Daniel also emphasized the need for standardization in reporting patient outcomes, particularly through validated measures like Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). The group’s findings underscore the need for more rigorous clinical studies and better data aggregation, suggesting that digital technologies, such as 3D scanning, could significantly enhance future research.
Switching to peri-implantitis, Ausra, the secretary of the third group, shared insights from their work on understanding implant and prosthetic factors influencing peri-implant health. The group found limited evidence linking implant design or material to peri-implantitis risk, but emphasized that prosthesis accessibility for proper plaque removal is crucial. Their recommendations urge clinicians to avoid designs that hinder hygiene and to prioritize plaque control in preventing peri-implantitis.
Both experts pointed to a significant gap in the research on soft tissue management and peri-implantitis, particularly in terms of long-term outcomes. They agreed that more prospective studies are needed to better understand the relationships between implant design, materials, and the success of peri-implant treatments.
As a call to action, they encouraged the dental community to adopt standardized measures, digital technologies, and better patient outcome reporting in future studies. The session concluded with a reminder that the full consensus report is available for download until January 20th, 2022, offering valuable insights for both clinicians and researchers.