Working Together

One of the keys for a restorative dentist to effectively serve the best interest of his or her patient is to have a close working relationship with a periodontist. Like the interface between dental tissue and restorative material, a good, healthy bond between the two facets of dentistry is essential for successful management of esthetic dilemmas.

With this in mind, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) subtitled its 2012 Spring Conference “Collaborative Management of Esthetic Dilemmas.” The conference focused on the effectiveness of a partnership between periodontists and restorative dentists. It provided a plethora of ideas, tips, techniques, and strategies for sharing clinical knowledge and fostering communication.

This supplement to the Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry highlights four cutting-edge presentations given at the AAP symposium in Chicago. One Continuing Education article describes a collaborative approach for successful regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis. A team effort by the primary care dentist, periodontist, and dental hygienist enabled early diagnosis. Knowledge of the etiology and risk factors, as well as a meticulous surgical protocol and stringent maintenance led to a favorable outcome.

Also featured in the supplement is a Continuing Education article that depicts a team approach to managing hard- and soft-tissue peri-implant complications in the esthetic zone. Surgical and restorative options are detailed, combining the synergistic, unique skills of the periodontist and restorative dentist.

A successful partnership is highlighted in another article, co-authored by a periodontist and restorative dentist. It focuses on esthetic immediate implant placement. Working together, the two dental professionals are able to provide an increased level of treatment outcomes and broaden the range of options they can offer their patients.

Finally, the principles of esthetics using the team approach are outlined in an article presented by a restorative dentist who draws on his five decades of experience working closely with other specialists.

We trust that you’ll find this supplement helpful in your quest to enhance the well-being of your patients. We encourage you to “team up” with other specialists. Together, you will achieve excellence beyond where you can go on your own.

Sincerely,

Louis F. Rose, DDS, MD, Editor-In-Chief
Donald S. Clem, DDS, Guest Editor

SAVE THE DATE

The AAP 2013 Spring Conference, “The Team Approach to Managing Implant Complications,” will take place April 13-14, 2013, at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. Plan now to attend! Visit www.perio.org.