1. European Council of the European Society for Ceramic Implantology – ESCI

Ceramic implant dentistry is currently one of the fastest growing, most innovative, but often controversial discussed areas in dentistry. Intensive research and development, especially in the areas of material properties, surface design and restorative care, have led to ceramic implants of zirconium oxide being a credible factor in dental implantology in addition to titanium implants. Scientific data are already available, but need to be evaluated correctly. Remaining open questions must be discussed and answered with an evidence-based approach. In the interests of the dental practice and the concerned patients, an independent, non-profit-oriented, scientific and evidence-based society is required. This society was recently founded as the European Society for Ceramic Implantology - ESCI. As a strong community, ESCI creates the link between science, practice and industry. It forms a Europe-wide, active network for all involved groups: scientifically recognized, experienced and renowned experts, interested and motivated users from practice and university, as well as competent and quality-oriented manufacturers and research institutions. 

The first important step in this direction has now been done: The 1st European Council for Ceramic Implantology of ESCI took place on 5th October 2018 at the SwissRe “Center for Global Dialogue” in Rüschlikon ZH / Switzerland. As part of the 1st Council, specialists with the highest expertise in ceramic implantology met representatives of the leading manufacturers at the "round table". The ESCI Board and Scientific Advisory Board discussed scientific topics related to dental implantology with ceramic implants and defined the future tasks of the ESCI. The results were subsequently presented to the invited company partner of ESCI. Participants for the ESCI were Prof. Ralf Kohal (D), Prof. Michael Gahlert (D), Prof. Jerome Chevalier (FRA), Prof. Corado Piconi (ITA), Dr. med. Curd Bollen (NED), ESCI President Dr. Jens Tartsch (CH) and ESCI Vice President Dr. Stefan Röhling (D). Prof. Michael Payer (AUT), Prof. Werner Zechner (AUT) and Prof. Mutlu Özcan (CH) were connected by videoconference. The companies Straumann AG, Nobel Biocare, Camlog, Dentalpoint AG and Z-Systems AG were represented as ESCI company partners by high-ranking delegates. ESCI is committed to promote dental implant ceramic implantology. It will form a hub for scientific activities, assess them correctly and provide comprehensive information. In future, members will not only be offered the usual added value, such as price reductions at events or web presence, but also concepts for direct and individual support in the use of ceramic implants in daily practice will be developed. In particular, this includes offers such as support forums, advanced training in hospitation centre`s or literature summaries with direct practical reference. In Oct. 2019 the 1st European Congress for Ceramic Implantology of the ESCI will be planned. Details will follow.

However, it is special success of the 1st ESCI Council that for the first time it was possible to formulate a joint statement of science and industry on the current state of dental implantology with ceramic implants. This statement was developed by the ESCI Scientific Advisory Board and approved by all stakeholders of the Council, also by the ESCI Company

Partners Statement Ceramic Implantology

1st Council of European Society for Ceramic Implantology

• Ceramic implants are an addition to the treatment spectrum in implant dentistry 
• They are a hot topic in implant dentistry and need a sound scientific and clinical approach 
• The request for ceramic implants is increasing. 
• Micro-rough zirconia implants show similar osseointegration rates as titanium implants. Furthermore, clinical investigations on zirconia implants report comparable results to titanium implants up to 5 years. 
• Zirconia implants are recommended for clinical use. However, long-term results are currently missing to confirm the promising short- and mid-term data. 
• Optimized manufacture processes and standardisation of testing is needed. 

Now the idea has continued to grow and to form a Europe-wide strong community. Be part of it ... be part of something new… become a member of the ESCI!

Find out more: www.esci-online.com