Rudy M. Wassenaar, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Abstract:
The last two decades have seen huge shifts in the application of dental implantology as it relates to routine dental care. Initially, dental implants were primarily used to improve the lives of our edentulous patients. The implants were placed where the bone was and the prosthetic results were more often than not, not much more than a compromise with regards to function, longevity, and esthetics. Now we are much better able to create an almost ideal recipient site for implants by using biotechnology. Bone grafting techniques combined with the utilization of autologous growth factors can now predictably create close to ideal recipient sites prior to implant placement and are determined by the prosthetic requirements of the case ahead of time. New implant designs have come on stream that provide great initial stability allowing for immediate placement and immediate load in selective cases, whereas in the past most implants that were placed were two-stage. With the introduction of CBCT technology and CAD/CAM design, we can now print extremely accurate surgical guides that allow for faster, better, and safer surgeries with less morbidity. Paradigms around how many implants are required for fixed prosthetics in edentulous cases have been turned upside down with the advent of the all-on-four technique. There is no question that dental implantology has greatly expanded the options available to our patients. It has transformed periodontology where we no longer do pocket reduction surgery at the rates we used to. It has changed the focus of endodontics where we are now much quicker to remove questionable teeth and place an implant as an alternative. In prosthodontics, it has become clear that in fact dental implants are the most conservative option in our arsenal for tooth replacement options: an implant is a one-tooth solution to a missing tooth. A bridge is a three-tooth solution to a missing tooth. In orthodontics, we can now use TAD implants which has greatly improved the availability of anchorage reducing the need for extra-oral anchorage. As time goes on the prediction is that the dental profession will continue to improve the quality of care for our patients as we continue capitalizing on this momentum that has been gaining traction worldwide.
Biography:
Wassenaar, Rudy M. is a general dentist practicing in rural British Columbia, Canada where he has been since 1987. He graduated from the University of Amsterdam in 1981 with a DMD degree. In 1986 he passed the National Dental Examination Board of Canada requirements for licensure in Canada and moved to Williams Lake, BC Canada. Dr. Wassenaar is a member of the American Academy of General Dentistry and in recognition of his involvement with organized dentistry, he received his Fellowship ( 2000) and his Mastership (2007) designation. Dr. Wassenaar is a member of the Alumni Organization of the LD Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, the American Academy of GP Orthodontics, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In 2001 Dr. Wassenaar received his Fellowship Award from the International Academy of Dental-Facial Esthetics. He is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and as such has received his Fellowship (2005). Mastership (2007) and Diplomate Award (2011). Dr. Wassenaar studied under Dr.Carl Misch and in recognition of his ongoing involvement with the Misch International Implant Institute received his surgical Fellowship Award in 2011. Dr. Wassenaar has received his certification and credentials from the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry (2014). Dr. Wassenaar is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and as such is currently working towards his Fellowship designation with this organization.
