Prof. Corrado Piconi, ITA

Italian National Research Council, Institute for the Science and Technology of Ceramics, (CNR-ISTEC) Faenza (RA)

Chapter 1 “Biomaterial Ceramic”

Zirconia in dental implants: an overview

Zirconia (Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystals: Y-TZP) was introduced in dentistry and in orthopedics during the second half of the 1980s, thanks to its outstanding mechanical behavior due to tetragonal-monoclinic phase transformation. In addition, Y-TZP clinical records evidence the excellent biological safety of this hi-tech ceramic. In dentistry, the uses of zirconia are manifold, the main ones being dental implantology (fixtures and abutments), restorative dentistry (CAD-CAM blanks as material for crowns, bridges, FPDs) and more recently full contour zirconia crowns.

So far, a number of ceramic implant systems is on the market, enlarging the number of solutions available for dentists to fulfill their patients’ needs. The scientific literature shows that the osseointegration of zirconia and titanium implants is similar. In addition, ceramic implants are offering advantages over titanium in terms of esthetics and hygienic properties. The concerns of a growing share of the public about sensitization to metals is also contributing to the demand of metal-free devices in dentistry.

This presentation briefly reviews the evolution of ceramics dental implantology, the chemical-physical and mechanical properties of zirconia, the behavior of zirconia in the interaction with the implant environment. In addition, this presentation outlines the development now in progress in ceramic implantology based on new zirconia-based dispersion ceramics, the improvements introduced in the manufacturing processes, new design of implants and on the surface treatments aimed to improve the osseointegration of ceramic devices.

Curriculum Vitae

In the New Materials Division of the National Agency for New Technology, Energy and the Environment (ENEA) up to 2000, performing since 1988 research on ceramic biomaterials. From 2000 appointed as R&D Project Manager in Tecnobiomedica S.p.A working on the development of medical devices for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications. From 2005 to 2014 he was Scientific Director of the MeLab R&D facility of GHIMAS S.p.A. (Brindisi, Italy), working on ceramic and polymeric scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Since 1997 Lecturer in the School of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine of the Catholic University in Rome, where he currently teaching in Applied Physics. He is Fellow in the Centre for New Materials for Prosthetic Technologies, in the University of Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy, and associate member of the Institute for the Science and Technology of Ceramic Materials of the Italian National Research Council (ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy. Prof. Piconi is member of the Board of International Academy of Ceramic Implantology (IAOCI), active member of the Italian Society for Biomaterials (SIB), of the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB), of the International Society for Ceramics in Medicine (ISCM), of the Italian Society for Research in Orthopedics (IORS). He is referee for international scientific journals in the field of biomaterials. He is author of more than 100 articles and book chapters with more than 2000 citations by December 2016.

Prof. Jérôme Chevalier, FRA

Director of MATEIS laboratory University of Lyonand Deputy Director of Research at INSA-Lyon in charge of Health and Bioengineering.

Chapter 1 “Biomaterial Ceramic”

Low temperature degradation as aging of zirconia – does it affect implant performances?

Zirconia exhibits the best mechanical properties of oxide ceramics: this is the consequence of phase transformation toughening, which increases its mechanical resistance. The high strength and toughness of zirconia is associated to an excellent biocompatibility and bone-integration, which makes it an excellent candidate and a credible alternative to titanium. However, it is also the subject of specific attention and controversies among scientists, industrials and clinicians, concerning its long-term stability in-vivo. Due to this propensity to transform, zirconia can also be prone to aging and degradation under some conditions: this has been unfortunately verified in particular cases in vivo with some critical consequences in some biomedical fields. The subject has been treated by a large number of papers, both in-vitro and in-vivo but confusion still exists on the potential impact of aging on implants, in terms of functional performances. In this talk, we will briefly summarize the main aspects of the so-called ‘Low Temperature Degradation’ of zirconia, which stands to a progressive phase transformation of zirconia in presence of water or body fluids. We will then review our current analysis of state-of-the-art dental implants, which shows that current processing technologies, when they are well-controlled, insure a sufficient resistance to aging for prolonged duration. In addition, we will show that simple protocols can allow to assess mechanical reliability and lifetime on a given zirconia dental implant product.

Curriculum Vitae

Jérôme Chevalier is full Professor at the National Institute of Applied Sciences, in Lyon (INSA-Lyon), France. He is mainly recognized for his work on ceramics for healthcare applications, especially on zirconia as a biomaterial but also on the development of innovative glass-ceramics and calcium phosphate ceramics for bone substitute applications. His research interests are also related to the mechanical behaviour laws of ceramics under different forms. He has been involved in a large number of European projects and has coordinated recently the LONGLIFE project on ceramic dental implants. He shows a strong involvement in partnerships with European companies. He has published more than 200 papers, holds 10 patents and has been cited more than 10000 times. Jérôme Chevalier has been member of the ‘Institut Universitaire de France’ (2010-2015) and awarded by the French CNRS with the ‘Innovation Medal’ (2015). Jérôme Chevalier is currently one of the editors of the Journal of the European Ceramic Society. He is fellow of the European Ceramic Society (2017) and member of the World Academy of Ceramics (2018).

Prof. Jens Fischer, CH

Head of Division for Materials Sciences and Engineering, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel.

Chapter 1 “Biomaterial Ceramic”

Are zirconia oral implants biomechanically reliable?

Curriculum Vitae

1981 Graduation and doctoral degree (Dr. med. dent.) in dentistry, University of Freiburg, Germany

1982 – 1984 Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, University of Freiburg, Germany

1986 Graduation in Mineralogy, University of Freiburg, Germany

1987 – 1990 Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, University of Freiburg, Germany

1991 Doctoral degree in Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat.), University of Freiburg, Germany

1991 – 1998 Head of Research and Development, Cendres & Métaux SA, Biel, Switzerland

1998 – 2005 Associate Professor, Vice Chair and Head of Dental Materials Science, Department of Prosthodontics, University of Bern, Switzerland

2002 Habilitation (venia docendi), University of Bern, Switzerland

2006 – 2008 Head of Dental Materials Science, Clinic for Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics, Dental School, University of Zurich, Switzerland

2008 – 2010 External Associate Professor, Clinic for Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics, Dental School, University of Zurich, Switzerland

2008 – 2016 Lecturer for Dental Material Sciences, Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, University of Freiburg, Germany

2008 – 2017 Business Unit Director vitaclinical, Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany

since 2010 Head of Division for Materials Sciences and Engineering, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel, Switzerland

2011 Extracurricular Professor, University of Freiburg, Germany

2011 Specialist Prosthodontics, German Society for Prosthetic Dentistry and Biomaterials

2013 Offer for an appointment as Chair of Restorative Dentistry, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand

since 2013 Head of Research & Development, Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany

2016 Titular Professor, University of Basel, Switzerland

Prof. Mutlu Özcan, CH

Head of Division of Dental Biomaterials, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine in University of Zurich.

Chapter 1 “Biomaterial Ceramic”

Choice of Reconstruction Materials for Zirconia Implants

With the advances in technological developments in subtractive and additive processing methods, new materials are being introduced to construct tooth- and implant-borne reconstructions. In this lecture, an overview will be given on the current clinical possibilities, limitations and future perspectives with reconstruction materials with a particular focus on metals, polymers, hybrids and ceramics on zirconia implants.

Curriculum Vitae

Prof. Mutlu Özcan currently serves as the Head of Division of Dental Biomaterials at the University of Zurich, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine in Switzerland. Prof. Özcan holds a Ph.D. in Dental Biomaterials from the University of Groningen, Department of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, The Netherlands. She has authored more than 450 clinical and scientific peer-reviewed manuscripts. She is EPA-Recognized Specialist in Prosthodontics, Honorary Secretary of the European Prosthodontic Association (EPA), Past-President of the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) / Dental Materials Group (DMG), Fellow of Academy of Dental Materials (FADM), Fellow of International College of Dentistry (FICD) and Fellow in Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, FDS RCPS (Glasgow). Her clinical expertise is on reconstructive dentistry and her scientific work focuses on translational research. She is the recipient of the “2018 IADR Distinguished Scientist Wilmer Souder Award”.

Prof. Daniel Olmedo, ARG

Associate Professor of the Oral Pathology Department, School of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires

Chapter 2 “Biological Aspects”

Dr. Simone Janner, CH

Senior lecturer and board-certified oral surgeon at the Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology at the University of Bern

Chapter 2 “Biological aspects”

Dr. Stefan Röhling, CH

Clinic of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Hightech-Research-Center of CMF-Surgery, University Hospital Basel

Chapter 2 “Biological aspects”

Zirconia implants and peri-implant infections
Based on their excellent osseous integration, clinical reliability and scientific documentation, micro-rough titanium implants are currently the gold standard in implant dentistry. However, clinical drawbacks like peri-implant infections, which are among the main reasons for early and late titanium implant failure, have been reported. In recent years, zirconia implants have become a reliable future technology. Evidence-based data have shown that zirconia implants with a micro-rough surface show equal soft and hard tissue integration and similar clinical survival rates compared with established titanium implants. In addition, experimental studies have reported that zirconia shows significantly less bacterial adhesion and significantly reduced ligature-induced peri-implant bone loss compared with titanium. However, although clinical long-term studies have reported promising results, it remains unclear if zirconia shows less affinity for peri-implant infections compared with titanium. This lecture will present current evidence-based experimental and clinical data regarding the microbial colonization, subsequent plaque formation and incidence of peri-implant infections around zirconia and titanium implants.

Curriculum Vitae
Vice President of the ESCI
since Jan 2017 ITI Fellow
since Nov 2014 Clinic of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Hightech-Research-Center of CMF-Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Kantonsspital Aarau, Switzerland and
Unit for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical Healthcare Center Lörrach, Germany
Sept 2013 – Oct 2014 Postdoctoral research fellow Department of Periodontics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA
May 2009 – Aug 2013 Clinic of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Hightech-Research-Center of CMF-Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
2007-2009 AO Foundation, AO Research Institute; Tissue Morphology, Davos, Schweiz
2003-2009 Studies in Dentistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
since 2006 Experimental and clinical studies investigating zirconia dental implants

Dr. Brigitte Altmann

Senior Research Scientist; Group Leadet G.E.R.N. Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Prosthodontics, Medical Center – University of Freiburg

Chapter 2 “Biological aspects”

Zirconia implant topography changes: Possibilities and risks
A relevant issue in implant biomaterial research is the creation of defined surface properties to better control the target cell-biomaterial interactions. Regarding oral implantology, the impact of biomaterial surface properties on bone tissue response has been recognized already in the early 1980s. With emphasis on these properties, innumerable surface modifications of implant materials have been introduced up till now, all of them aiming at to ensure a long-lasting bone-to-implant interface. With respect to surface topography, there is a wide consensus today that microrough implant surfaces better support osteoblast-triggered hard tissue integration than smooth surfaces. However, with the development of multitude surface modification methods to roughen the ceramic surfaces, implants with similar average surface roughness, but different micro- and nanotopographical properties were produced, provoking different cellular reactions. This suggests that other details of the surface structure can be more determining on cell-biomaterial interaction-derived cell fate than their roughness degree. This lecture will provide an overview of state-of-the-art surface modification techniques of zirconia implants and the resulting topographies as well as of the current knowledge on the link between specific surface topography parameters and the cell response at the tissue-implant interface. The goal is to raise the awareness for the significant role of distinct structural micro- and/or nanoscale features of implants, which arise from the different surface modification techniques, in influencing target cell behavior and thus, essentially contribute to implant tissue integration.

Prof. Michael Payer, AUT

Vice Chair of the Dept. of Oral Surgery & Orthodontics University Clinic of Dental Medicine & Oral Health, Med. Univ. Graz

Chapter 3 “Clinical Aspects”

Zirconia implants and clinical long-term results

The current commercial dental implant material of choice is pure titanium. Its properties have been well documented in numerous experimental and clinical applications over the past decades. A major driver, however, for alternatives to titanium in implant dentistry is an ongoing discussion on sensitivities and allergies associated with failure of dental titanium implants. To date, there seems to be no evidence for clinical relevance of this hypothesis. Further potential aesthetic advantages of ceramics over titanium as implant material in the anterior zone and in patients with compromised soft tissue have been used as arguments to justify the search for alternative materials. But here, too, little reliable data are available on the aesthetic outcome of zirconia implants compared to titanium implants. In the presentation potential indications for ceramic implants based on the conclusions of clinical studies and clinical midterm follow ups will be discussed.

Curriculum Vitae

Since 02/2016        Vice Chair of the Dept. of Oral Surgery & Orthodontics, University Clinic of Dental Medicine & Oral Health, Med. Univ. Graz, Austria

since 01/2014         Associate Professor at the Dept. of Oral Surgery & Radiology , Dental School Med Univ. Graz, Austria.

10-12/2013              Visiting research fellow at the Clinic for Fixed and Removable  Prosthodontics and Dental Material Science, University of          Zurich, Switzerland

09-11/2012               Visiting Professorship at Prince Phillip Dental Hospital, Dept. Implant Dentistry & Oral Rehabilitation

01-03/2011               Research fellow at Dept. of Oral Surgery Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf

since 04/2010          Privatdozent Dept. of Oral Surgery & Radiology , Dental School, Graz

2005-2010                Specialization at Dept. of Oral Surgery Dental School Graz

2003-2006                Study of “Medical Science” MedUni-Graz

2004-2005                Postdoctoral research fellow at Department of Cell  Biology, Histology and Embryology, Center of Molecular Medicine, MedUni  Graz (“Cell cultivation on different implant materials and surfaces”)

since 2004                Private Practice in Graz

1998-2004                Study of Dentistry at Dental School MedUni Graz

2000                         Externship & research fellow at Dept. of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pittsburgh (UPMC), USA

1994-2000                Study of Medicine at Karl-Franzens University, Graz

Dr. Andre Chen, POR

College of dentistry, University of Lisbon

Chapter 3 “Clinical Aspects”

From immediate to delayed implant placement with zirconia implants

Dental implants made of titanium and titanium alloys are considered the gold standard in implantology, but recently, questions about biocompatibility, high corrosion, and debatable mechanical properties, came to question their clinical behaviour.

The increasing demand for metal-free dental implants and the development of refined, tougher, and stronger ceramic core materials in recent years has led to the wider use of new, strong all-ceramics systems based on oxide ceramics as an alternative to titanium in implant dentistry. The state of digital art essentially aims at simplifying clinical acts with greater predictability and speed, with a clear benefit to the patient. Digital technology has also allowed the integration of once hard-to-master technologies such as zirconia one-piece implants or the use of pre-fabricated customized abutments. The mechanical part of zirconia implant protocols is undoubtedly important. However, it is in the area of Biology and Physiology to implant that these zirconia technologies make a difference in relation to conventional ones.

In this context, this conference aims to show the pros and cons of ceramic implants in different times of placement, confronting biochemistry, biology, aesthetics and function.

Curriculum Vitae

Jérôme Chevalier is full Professor at the National Institute of Applied Sciences, in Lyon (INSA-Lyon), France. He is mainly recognized for his work on ceramics for healthcare applications, especially on zirconia as a biomaterial but also on the development of innovative glass-ceramics and calcium phosphate ceramics for bone substitute applications. His research interests are also related to the mechanical behaviour laws of ceramics under different forms. He has been involved in a large number of European projects and has coordinated recently the LONGLIFE project on ceramic dental implants. He shows a strong involvement in partnerships with European companies. He has published more than 200 papers, holds 10 patents and has been cited more than 10000 times. Jérôme Chevalier has been member of the ‘Institut Universitaire de France’ (2010-2015) and awarded by the French CNRS with the ‘Innovation Medal’ (2015). Jérôme Chevalier is currently one of the editors of the Journal of the European Ceramic Society. He is fellow of the European Ceramic Society (2017) and member of the World Academy of Ceramics (2018).

Prof. Michael Gahlert, DE

Private Clinic Munich, Visiting professor Sigmund Freud University Vienna

Chapter 3 “Clinical Aspects”

How advances in ceramic implants have benefited my patients and practice

Why are there worldwide more users of bone level implants than of tissue level implants? Think about this questions just a second, why is it so? The answer could be, that bone level implants osseointegrate better than tissue level implants. Do bone level implants osseointegrate better than tissue level Implants? The answer is no, there is enough evidence, that both types of implants have equal success and survival rates. What influences our decision to choose the implant components we do? Our former training, history of implants, referrals, marketing and advertising, pricing, key opinion leaders, evidence data and biology perhaps. But the most important thing should be patients outcome. It is influenced by osseoconductivity, soft tissue reaction, minimized bacterial infection, localized inflammatory front and response and at last, super esthetic. Ceramic implants made of Zirconia have these good biocompatible character to create a satisfied patients outcome. Latest scientific evidence shows less plaque affinity and less peri-implantitis in comparison to titanium, good soft tissue reaction and excellent esthetic results. The natural light transmission of zirconia implants in combination with full ceramic restaurations is outstanding. The clinical consequence of these facts for me is to use modern ceramic implants for esthetical rehabilitations and for patient groups, where I have to avoid plaque accumulation and the danger of peri- implantitis. These are former patients with periodontitis history, which need implants to replace lost teeth. Many clinical examples in my presentation should demonstrate the advantages of ceramic implants and show the clinical implementation of these alternative metal free components in my daily routine.

Curriculum Vitae

02.12.1960 born in in Recklinghausen, Germany

1979 finishing high school

1980 – 1985 Dental school at the Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Germany

1985 Finishing dental school

1985 – 1987 Promotion experimental microbiology

1985 – 1990 Dental assistent at the departement of maxillofacial surgery university hospital Freiburg, post graduate specialisation in periodontal desease, oral surgery and implantology, memberof the international team for implantology (ITI), tutor Prof. Gisbert Krekeler and Prof.Wilfried Schilli

1990 Finishing dental surgeon

1990 Dental clinic in Munich, Germany, together with Prof. Dr. med., Dr.med.dent. Heinz Kniha

1994 Fellow International team for implantology, ITI

1996 Member of the development comitee of the ITI

1994 – 2004 Expert of implantology

1997 Idea and conception of ceramic dental implants made of Zirconia

2001 First scientific project of zirconia implants at Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany

2003 Teaching assignment for postgraduate implantology at Danube University Krems, Austria

2005 International patent microrough surface zirconia implants

2006 – 2018 Several scientific projects with ceramic implants and international publications

2011 Scientific assistent at Hightech Research Center of maxillofacial departement of university hospital Basel, Switzerland

2018 Habilitation „experimental medicine“ at University Basel, Switzerland

2018 International patent osteosynthese screw made of Zirconia and bone substitute made of microporous Zirconia

2019 Visiting professor at Sigmund Freud University Vienna

Dr. Curd Bollen, NL

DDS, PhD, MSc, MClinDent, Mondcentrum Eyckholt,, Associate Professor Periodontology & Implant Dentistry of The College of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Birmingham

Chapter 3 “Clinical Aspects”

The step from titanium to zirconium dioxide – if I start on Monday

Change is part of life but only the fittest survive. Without change there is no evolution, and without evolution, degeneration occurs. Standing still is even going backwards… Change is not easy, is often feared and creates uncertainty. Therefor, most people prefer to stick to old trusted solutions, instead of embracing innovations. Medicine, in particular dentistry, is a discipline that is continuously subjected to evolutionary trends. Soon, printed prosthesis and crowns, instead of handmade devices, will be available. Where formerly amalgam was used to fill up cavities, today composites are commonly applied. Since P-I. Brånemark introduced osseointegration in dental medicine, a tremendous evolution took place. Whereas primarily only the full edentulous were treated with complete bridges or overdentures, now solitary implants are the majority of our routine implant cases. Also implants changed dramatically over the years. The morphology of the screws, even as the surface properties were further developed, ceramic abutments were introduced, so was guided surgery. The implant material of choice remained however titanium. The only alternative in the past was aluminium-oxide, a product that was not appropriate as implant material because of its weakness. More recently however, zirconia implants entered the market. This lecture will explain why zirconia implants can and will change the field of oral implantology. Furthermore a strategy on how to introduce ceramic implants in your daily practice next Monday, is presented. Finally, a 5-step plan to increase your market share in (ceramic) implants is proposed.

Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Bollen was born in ‘69 in Belgium and graduated in 1992 as dentist (DDS) at the Catholic University Leuven (B). In 1996 he received his PhD and 1 year later he finished his MSc in periodontology & implantology, both at the same university. In 2016 he became MClinDent in aesthetic and restorative dentistry (University of the Pacific, US).

Dr. Bollen published more than 35 scientific articles in peer reviewed international dental journals and was author/co-author of 8 books/chapters in books. He is editor in chief of the Journal of Dental Health, Oral Disorders & Therapy and editor of 10 other online journals.

Formerly, he was active as consultant and researcher at different universities: Leuven and Liège (B), Nijmegen (NL), Bonn and Düsseldorf (D). At the latter university he was clinical assistant professor (2010-2012). Recently, he was associate professor at the university of Manchester (UK) (2017-2018).

Actually, he is key opinion leader for several dental implant companies. Curd Bollen leads a multi-disciplinary dental clinic in the Netherlands, where his proffesional activities are limited to periodontology, implantology and halitosis. Since 2018 he is scientific board member of the European Society for Ceramic Implantology (ESCI).

His main interests are ceramic dental implants, L-PRF-supported regenerative surgery and halitosis.

Dr. Bernd Siewert, ESP

Clínica Somosaguas SLP, Madrid

Chapter 3 “Clinical Aspects”

Options in prosthetic full arch reconstruction with PEEK

Although this high performance polymer material is nothing new in medicine and dentistry it is still missing the broad acceptance in the dental market. This is due to the fact that this plastic material is so different to what we are used to. The first part of the lecture is dedicated to the 10 year clinical results we already have and will explain the real potential and reliability of this material. Polyetheretherketone is sometimes called the steel among plastics due to the unique and outstanding material properties, I will explain. Last but not least it is metal free and biocompatible. This plastic is considered one of the world’s highest performing materials of its kind and many metal parts in industry are being replaced by PEEK. Especially in dentistry this material even provides advantages over metal parts. The second part of the lecture explains how and in which way PEEK can help us to provide definitive metal free full arch rehabilitations in the edentulous jaw with considerable advantages compared to other materials.

Curriculum Vitae

Dr. med. dent. Bernd Siewert, graduated from the Christian Albrecht University, Kiel, Germany, in 1987, and gained his Dr. med. dent doctorate in 1989. Since 1996, Dr. Siewert has had his own private practice in Madrid and specializes in implant and prosthetic treatment. Since 2006 he is working with zirconia implants and started in 2008 the application of PEEK in dental prosthesis. In order to implement his ideas concerning PEEK, he started a dental laboratory (PEEK-O-BELLO, SL) and milling center specialized on metal free materials as zirconia and PEEK. In the last 10 years he gradually switched all the working protocols in the office from analog to digital.

He lectures internationally and is the author of numerous publications on PEEK

PD Dr. Goran I. Benic, CH

Chapter 3 “Clinical Aspects”

Bone augmentation at ceramic implants

There is a large body of evidence demonstrating the successful use of guided bone regeneration to regenerate missing bone at implant sites with insufficient bone volume and the long-term success of titanium implants placed in combination with bone augmentation. But can this data be applied to the ceramic implants? What do we know about bone augmentation at ceramic implants? This lecture will provide the actual evidence and the clinical recommendations for bone augmentation procedures at zirconia implants

Curriculum Vitae

Goran Benic is Specialist of Reconstructive Dentistry at the Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland and associate at the Private Clinic in Lugano, Switzerland. His clinical focus is on the treatment of complex and esthetic cases using all options of implant and reconstructive dentistry. His major scientific interests include procedures for bone augmentation, fixed tooth- and implant-supported reconstructions and clinical applications of digital technology in implant dentistry.