Long-term studies conducted at leading universities in Europe have reached the same groundbreaking conclusion: With the Patent™ Dental Implant System, peri-implantitis can be prevented in the long term.[1, 2] In this interview, Marco Waldner, CEO of Patent™, offers insights into how this two-piece dental implant achieves such a clinical feat.
Mr. Waldner, in the spring of 2024, you presented impressive long-term data in Zurich. Is it really possible to prevent peri-implantitis completely?
Yes, it is. Patent™ has been demonstrated in two long-term studies to prevent peri-implantitis—and is the first and only implant system to have realized this clinical achievement! The most remarkable aspect of Dr. Sofia Karapataki’s study at the Medical University of Graz is that, even in everyday patients with risk factors such as systemic disease or chronic inflammation, like diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis or periodontitis, or smoking habits, no peri-implantitis was found by the end of the observation period after 12 years.[2] This finding shows that, thanks to state-of-the-art technologies, it is now possible to eliminate peri-implantitis from daily implant practice.
Are such results achievable with other technologies too?
According to the European Federation of Periodontology’s S3 guideline published in June 2023, 22% of implants are affected by peri-implantitis.[3] That is one in five implants! Peri-implantitis is therefore highly prevalent. Also according to the guideline, managing peri-implantitis is challenging, unpredictable and associated with significant morbidity. Additionally, it reports even more alarming numbers for peri-implant mucositis, the chronic inflammation of the soft tissue that precedes peri-implantitis. So, to answer your question in short: no, apparently not. To my knowledge, there is no long-term study on conventional implant systems that has reported similar outcomes to those achieved by Patent™.
It’s also important to note that peri-implantitis is irreversible. We know today that, with the available treatment options, complete re-osseointegration of the initially exposed implant surface is impossible.[4, 5] Therefore, our focus must shift to prevention—using new concepts and technologies.
Preventing peri-implantitis: According to the long-term studies, exactly this seems to be possible with the Patent™ Dental Implant System. What is its key to success?
The key to success lies in the mucophilic transmucosal surface of the Patent™ Implant. In the transmucosal region, we have optimized the surface topography for the best possible adhesion of soft tissue. Consequently, a uniquely strong bond forms between the implant surface and the soft tissue, acting as an effective defensive barrier against plaque and bacteria.
What’s also crucial is that the Patent™ System has been designed to avoid a microgap at the subgingival level. Most conventional implant systems have such gaps, which provide an entry point for bacteria and are difficult to control or maintain owing to their positioning in the soft tissue or at bone level. In contrast, the prosthetic connection and crown margin of Patent™ are deliberately positioned in the cleansable zone accessible for dental checkups and daily oral hygiene. The result of this combination: no peri-implantitis, long term.
What is your conclusion?
Medical technologies have advanced, opening up new possibilities. The current state of research clearly shows that peri-implantitis can be prevented entirely and peri-implant mucositis significantly reduced. Now, it is up to dental professionals to select the right technology from all those available.
More information can be found at www.mypatent.com
References
1. Brunello G, Rauch N, Becker K, Hakimi AR, Schwarz F, Becker J. Two-piece zirconia implants in the posterior mandible and maxilla: a cohort study with a follow-up period of 9 years. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2022 Dec;33(12):1233–44. doi: 10.1111/clr.14005. PMID: 36184914.
2. Karapataki S, Vegh D, Payer M, Fahrenholz H, Antonoglou GN. Clinical performance of two-piece zirconia dental implants after 5 and up to 12 years. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2023 Dec 12;38(6):1105–114. doi: 10.11607/jomi.10284. PMID: 38085741.
3. Herrera D, Berglundh T, Schwarz F, Chapple I, Jepsen S, Sculean A, Kebschull M, Papapanou PN, Tonetti MS, Sanz M; EFP workshop participants and methodological consultant. Prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases—the EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline. J Clin Periodontol. 2023 Jun;50 Suppl 26:4–76. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13823. PMID: 37271498.
4. Renvert S, Polyzois I, Maguire R. Re-osseointegration on previously contaminated surfaces: a systematic review. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2009 Sep;20 Suppl 4:216–27. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01786.x. PMID: 19663967.
5. Schlee M, Naili L, Rathe F, Brodbeck U, Zipprich H. Is complete re-osseointegration of an infected dental implant possible? Histologic results of a dog study: a short communication. J Clin Med. 2020 Jan 16;9(1):235. doi: 10.3390/jcm9010235. PMID: 31963136; PMCID: PMC7020040.