The 32nd Portuguese Dental Association Annual Congress was a resounding success, attracting leading dental professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advancements and best practices in the field. Station Road Dental Aldergrove was fortunate to have several of our experts in attendance, and we are delighted to share some of the key insights and takeaways from this prestigious event.
Innovative Techniques in Preventive Dentistry
One of the standout sessions at the Congress was a panel discussion on the role of preventive dentistry in maintaining long-term oral health. Dr. Maria Sousa, a renowned periodontist from the University of Lisbon, highlighted the importance of regular dental prophylaxis and oral hygiene instruction in preventing the development of periodontal disease.
“Educating patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as encouraging them to attend regular dental check-ups, is crucial in preventing the onset of gum disease,” Dr. Sousa explained. “By catching issues early and empowering patients to take an active role in their oral health, we can significantly reduce the need for more complex and invasive treatments down the line.”
The panel also discussed the emerging use of salivary diagnostics in preventive dentistry. Dr. João Ferreira, a dental researcher from the University of Porto, presented his team’s findings on the potential of using salivary biomarkers to detect the early stages of dental caries and periodontal disease.
“Saliva is a rich source of information about an individual’s oral and overall health,” Dr. Ferreira said. “By analyzing specific molecules and enzymes present in a patient’s saliva, we can gain valuable insights into their risk of developing various dental conditions, allowing us to implement targeted preventive measures before the problem escalates.”
The incorporation of digital technology, such as intraoral scanners and 3D printing, into preventive dentistry was another topic of discussion. Dr. Ana Marques, a prosthodontist from the University of Coimbra, shared her experience using these tools to create customized mouth guards and night guards for patients, enhancing the comfort and effectiveness of these protective devices.
“By leveraging digital technology, we can design and fabricate these appliances with greater precision, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal functionality,” Dr. Marques remarked. “This not only improves patient comfort but also enhances the long-term durability and effectiveness of the devices in protecting the teeth and supporting structures.”
Advancements in Restorative Dentistry
The Congress also featured several insightful presentations on the latest advancements in restorative dentistry. Dr. Rui Oliveira, a prosthodontist from the University of Porto, discussed the growing popularity of ceramic restorations, such as crowns and veneers, and their impact on esthetic dentistry.
“Patients are increasingly seeking natural-looking, metal-free restorations that can seamlessly blend with their existing teeth,” Dr. Oliveira explained. “Advances in ceramic materials and CAD/CAM technology have made it possible to create highly esthetic, durable, and minimally invasive restorations that can significantly enhance the appearance of a patient’s smile.”
The panel also addressed the advancements in adhesive dentistry, with Dr. Sofia Pereira, a restorative dentist from the University of Lisbon, highlighting the benefits of composite bonding for both functional and cosmetic purposes.
“Composite resins have come a long way in terms of their strength, durability, and esthetic properties,” Dr. Pereira said. “We can now use these materials to not only restore damaged or decayed teeth but also to improve the shape, size, and alignment of existing teeth, providing patients with a more harmonious and attractive smile.”
The discussion also touched on the role of digital technology in restorative dentistry, with Dr. Luís Godinho, a dental technician from the University of Coimbra, sharing his experiences with CAD/CAM and 3D printing in the fabrication of dental prosthetics.
“The integration of digital workflows has revolutionized the way we approach restorative dentistry,” Dr. Godinho remarked. “By leveraging these technologies, we can streamline the fabrication process, improve the accuracy and fit of restorations, and ultimately deliver more predictable and satisfactory outcomes for our patients.”
Endodontic Advancements and Trends
The Congress also highlighted the latest advancements in endodontic treatments, with Dr. Ana Carvalho, a endodontist from the University of Porto, presenting her research on the use of bioceramic materials in root canal therapy.
“Bioceramic materials, such as calcium silicate-based cements, have shown great promise in endodontic treatments,” Dr. Carvalho explained. “These materials not only provide an effective root canal sealing but also possess bioactive properties that can stimulate the regeneration of damaged or inflamed dental tissues, ultimately improving the long-term success of the treatment.”
The panel also discussed the growing role of digital technology in endodontic procedures, with Dr. Rui Silva, a general dentist from the University of Lisbon, sharing his experiences with 3D imaging and navigation systems in root canal treatment.
“The integration of CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) imaging and navigation systems has significantly enhanced our ability to accurately diagnose and treat complex endodontic cases,” Dr. Silva stated. “These tools allow us to visualize the intricate root canal anatomy in three dimensions, plan the treatment more effectively, and ultimately improve the success rates of root canal therapy.”
The panel also touched on the importance of minimally invasive endodontics, with Dr. Catarina Mota, a general dentist from the University of Coimbra, discussing the benefits of single-visit root canal treatment and the use of rotary instrumentation and bioceramic sealers.
“Patients often dread the idea of undergoing multiple root canal appointments,” Dr. Mota said. “By adopting a minimally invasive approach and leveraging the latest endodontic technologies, we can often complete the entire treatment in a single visit, reducing patient discomfort and improving their overall experience.”
Innovations in Dental Implantology
The Congress also featured several presentations on the latest advancements in dental implantology, with Dr. João Soares, a periodontist and implantologist from the University of Porto, discussing the growing trend of immediate implant placement and immediate loading.
“Conventional dental implant protocols often required a lengthy healing period before the placement of the final restoration,” Dr. Soares explained. “However, with the advancements in implant surface treatments, surgical techniques, and biomaterials, we can now often place the implant and the final restoration in a single visit, significantly reducing the treatment time and improving the patient’s experience.”
The panel also addressed the use of digital technology in dental implant planning and placement, with Dr. Mariana Ferreira, a prosthodontist from the University of Coimbra, sharing her experiences with guided implant surgery and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques.
“The integration of digital workflows into dental implantology has revolutionized the way we plan and execute these procedures,” Dr. Ferreira stated. “By utilizing 3D imaging, surgical guides, and CAD/CAM technology, we can ensure more accurate implant placement, minimize surgical complications, and deliver more predictable and esthetic outcomes for our patients.”
The discussion also touched on the role of bone regeneration and tissue engineering in dental implantology, with Dr. Luís Pereira, a periodontist from the University of Lisbon, presenting his research on the use of biomaterials and growth factors to enhance peri-implant bone and soft tissue health.
“Maintaining the long-term stability and esthetic integration of dental implants is crucial,” Dr. Pereira explained. “By incorporating regenerative techniques and tissue engineering principles into our treatment protocols, we can improve the osseointegration of implants and promote the development of healthy peri-implant tissues, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
Advancements in Orthodontics and Aligners
The Congress also highlighted the latest developments in orthodontic treatments, with Dr. Sofia Ribeiro, an orthodontist from the University of Coimbra, presenting her research on the use of clear aligners in adult orthodontic treatment.
“Patients, especially adults, are increasingly seeking discreet and comfortable alternatives to traditional metal braces,” Dr. Ribeiro noted. “Clear aligners have emerged as a popular choice, offering a minimally invasive approach to orthodontic treatment that can effectively address a wide range of malocclusions without compromising esthetics.”
The panel also discussed the integration of digital technology in orthodontic treatment planning and aligner fabrication, with Dr. Nuno Oliveira, an orthodontist from the University of Porto, sharing his experiences with 3D imaging, CAD/CAM, and 3D printing in this field.
“The use of digital technology has revolutionized the way we approach orthodontic treatment,” Dr. Oliveira said. “By leveraging 3D scanning, computer-aided design, and additive manufacturing, we can now create highly customized clear aligners that provide a more precise and efficient orthodontic solution for our patients.”
The discussion also touched on the emerging field of clear aligner biomechanics, with Dr. Mariana Silva, a dental researcher from the University of Lisbon, presenting her findings on the force systems and tooth movement patterns associated with clear aligner therapy.
“Understanding the underlying biomechanics of clear aligners is crucial in ensuring predictable and successful orthodontic outcomes,” Dr. Silva explained. “By delving deeper into the force systems and tooth movement mechanics involved, we can optimize the design and application of clear aligners to achieve the desired treatment goals.”
Enhancing Patient Comfort and Experience
The Congress also addressed the importance of patient-centric care and the role of modern dental technologies in enhancing the overall patient experience. Dr. Catarina Pereira, a general dentist from the University of Coimbra, shared her insights on the use of digital anesthesia delivery systems and computerized local anesthesia in reducing patient anxiety and discomfort.
“Patients often dread the idea of receiving local anesthesia, fearing the discomfort and the potential for complications,” Dr. Pereira stated. “By utilizing digital anesthesia delivery systems and computerized local anesthesia, we can provide a more comfortable and controlled administration of the anesthetic, ultimately reducing the patient’s anxiety and improving their overall experience.”
The panel also discussed the emerging field of dental anxiety management, with Dr. João Carvalho, a psychologist and behavioral scientist from the University of Lisbon, presenting his research on the use of virtual reality and guided imagery in dental phobia treatment.
“Dental anxiety and phobia can be significant barriers to seeking regular dental care,” Dr. Carvalho explained. “By incorporating virtual reality and guided imagery techniques into our dental anxiety management protocols, we can help patients overcome their fears and engage more actively in their oral health maintenance.”
The discussion also touched on the role of patient education and shared decision-making in enhancing the patient experience, with Dr. Ana Almeida, a dental hygienist from the University of Porto, sharing her experiences in promoting oral health literacy and patient empowerment.
“Educating our patients and involving them in the decision-making process is crucial in ensuring their long-term oral health and satisfaction with our services,” Dr. Almeida stated. “By fostering open communication, providing tailored educational resources, and encouraging patient participation, we can build a stronger partnership with our patients and deliver a more personalized and rewarding dental experience.”
As evident from the diverse range of topics and discussions at the 32nd Portuguese Dental Association Annual Congress, the field of dentistry is constantly evolving, with innovative techniques, technologies, and approaches emerging to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall dental experience. Station Road Dental Aldergrove is committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of care and the most advanced treatment options available. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website at https://www.stationroaddentalcentre.com.
