international magazine of oral implantology

editorial _ implants I I 03implants1_2011 _The 34th International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne is just around the corner, bringing withitachallengingtestfortheinternationaldentalmarket.Thisdentalshowcontinuestogrow, with approximately 1,900 exhibitors from 55 countries presenting their products in ten exhibi- tion halls this year. We wait to see if an economic rebound has taken place, and if certain unde- sirable developments have been corrected. The implantology market in particular suffered from volatility triggered by the financial cri- sis, and it is still not clear whether the industry can return to double digit growth rates in 2011. Considering the positive developments in the industry in the autumn of last year, and the high attendance numbers at this year’s congresses and trade shows, many implantologists are opti- mistic. In particular, implant suppliers are keen to make a new start, and the IDS should provide aglitteringdisplayofinnovationsandnumerousproductlaunches.Digitalizationinimplantol- ogy, from 3-D diagnosis, digital dental impression-taking and computer-aided planning and navigation, through to prosthetic restorations manufactured by means of CAD/CAM, are likely tobethecenterofattention.Moreover,newandfurtherdevelopmentsinimplantmaterialsand designs, as well as new approaches to solutions for regenerative techniques will play an impor- tant role. Thesedevelopmentsprovokeourcuriosity,thoughitisclearthatwecannotexpectan“opti- malsolution”forallmedicalindicationsanda“goldenstandard”inimplantologyinthenearfu- ture.Rather,manyfactorsareimportantwhenitcomestofindingthebestsolutionforeachin- dividual case. Limiting factors on the patient’s part e.g. funding, time, personal requirements, physical and psychological capacities, and most of all the skills of the dentist, are the most im- portant criteria. Without the expert skills of a competent and experienced implantologist the best technique is useless. As an association of experts, it is our job to expose colleagues to this topic more intensely, and to ensure that the existing high standards in implantology are main- tained in future. Like all other important implantological associations, DGZI will be present at the IDS with its own stand, and we would be pleased and look forward to meeting you. Prof Dr Dr Frank Palm President of the DGZI (German Association of Dental Implantology) Chief Physician, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Center Constance, Germany Prof Dr Dr Frank Palm Implantology in the year of IDS