A Time for Optimism

It's January, which means it is time to turn over a new leaf. A time for optimism, a fresh start, and maybe trying something new. I like to urge people to "never lose curiosity," to quote Albert Einstein. The desire to keep learning and to "not stop questioning" can make all the difference between success and failure.

With another new year upon us, it seems an appropriate time to encourage dental practitioners to keep an open mind to new and evolving technologies and techniques, which abound in dentistry. Digital advancements, from scanners, to planning software, to 3D printing, not to mention other ongoing scientific innovations in restorative materials, regenerative dentistry, dental implants, and more, give clinicians countless reasons to be as optimistic as ever. With this abundance of new technology, dentists can look forward to better outcomes, efficiencies, and, above all, patient experiences.

This issue of Compendium features examples of new developments, including a clinical technique article that discusses a novel innovation in full-arch rehabilitation. The authors describe a workflow that enables the fabrication of a hybrid metal-resin fixed prosthesis supported on four implants at an affordable cost for parts and material and minimal lab production time. This approach, which they call "All in 4-4-4," allows for the economical delivery of a final or long-term provisional restoration on the day of implant placement, potentially opening the door for more patients to receive full-arch implant care.

In our continuing education (CE) lineup this month, we include a study on bone-to-implant contact (BIC), in which the authors review the many factors that affect BIC and, thus, the crucial characteristic of implant stability. Our other CE provides important information about naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversing drug that, as the authors suggest, should probably be a part of every dentist's emergency kit.

Other articles in this issue highlight a novel maxillary sinus augmentation technique (sinus window design), a phased treatment approach (occlusal canting and wear restoration), and a technology update (laser dentistry).

Here in 2024, as traditional methods continue to give way to modern digital processes, it is an exciting time to be a dentist. To be the best you can be, stay curious, and don't stop questioning.

Well wishes and peace for the new year,

Markus B. Blatz, DMD, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
markus.blatz@broadcastmed.com