Speaker team (from left): Andreas Lindauer, Rüdiger Meyer, Andreas Kunz, Carsten Fischer, Jan Langner
Berlin, November 2014: The first EADT conference took place on October 17, 2014. The conference concept combined collegial exchange with technically sound content. The main topic was: “What do dental ceramics do today?” In three sessions, the speakers presented the topics of abutment materials, processing of dental ceramics and the influence of the chewing function on the restorative material. All speakers were given two to three questions, which were answered in the lecture. At the end of the event, the answers from the individual sessions were discussed together and recorded in a consensus paper.
Session 1
- ZTM Andreas Kunz (Berlin) opened the first session with a lecture on the basics of implant abutment materials. He presented the current study of abutment materials. Accordingly, there is a clear trend towards zirconium oxide and titanium. In addition to the abutment made of a titanium alloy, the hybrid abutment (titanium base and bonded zirconium oxide structure) has good properties. The indications for titanium abutments are particularly in the posterior region. Hybrid abutments are preferred for use in the anterior tooth area and in aesthetically difficult zones.
- The second speaker was Carsten Fischer (Frankfurt/Main), who spoke about the peri-implant environment of implant abutments. He presented the latest findings in the area of surface roughness and the cleaning of abutment surfaces. He also specifically devoted himself to adhesive connections for hybrid abutments.
- This was where the focus of the next speaker's lecture, Rüdiger Meyer (Wimsheim), picked up. He discussed the relationship between the height of the adhesive base and the length of the crown in relation to the chewing forces and the appropriate material thicknesses.
Session 2
- Session 2 focused on “Dental ceramics and their processing”. ZTM Jan Langner asked the question: painting or layers? In a complex overview he described the indications for the various techniques. He defined painting as an independent technique with clear indications, but which cannot replace the layering technique.
- Raimund Schneider dedicated himself to the firing of ceramic kilns and explained the importance and complexity of ceramic fires. The cooling behavior of ceramic restorations was hotly debated. The speaker and the participants demanded more precise processing parameters from the ceramic manufacturers.
Session 3
- The exciting topic of “Dental ceramics in the influence of the chewing function” was focused here. Andreas Lindauer (Neu-Ulm) summarized the basics and kept the answers open. It quickly became clear to all participants that the complexity of the influence of the masticatory function on the restorative material could fill a separate specialist conference. A classification of different indication areas must be made here. The EADT Board will address this issue.
Consensus
The last session was eagerly awaited. The participants wrote a consensus paper consisting of questions and answers together with the speakers. The sum of practical and clinical experiences of the dental technicians present created valuable answers that are accessible to all dental technicians and dentists and provide great value for their daily work. The consensus questions and answers can be submitted by here can be downloaded free of charge.