The recent introduction of 3D imaging in dentistry has met with great acceptance thanks to numerous benefits it brings to the field. It constitutes an “essential contribution to the diagnosis and planning as well as the treatment of multiple dental-maxillofacial conditions”, according to the organizers of the annual Imagina event in Monaco; “these advanced technologies allow dentists to see a patient in a different light, with a new vision beyond the imaging modalities commonly used in dental practice.”
Bringing also economic benefits to professionals and potentially patients, technologies are expanding rapidly in this area of care, with a variety of applications ranging from mouth image digitizing using intraoral miniaturized scanners to printing prostheses with a 3D laser process (CAM) via 3D software design (CAD). However, in the context of such technological advances, “dentists, surgeons, and prosthesis technologists continue to have many questions about these new methods and their advantages from a clinical, medical, and economic standpoint”, organizers go on to explain. Typically, this topic is not at the top of the agenda of dentistry congresses.
Imagina, the annual “European 3D Simulation and Virtual Technology Event”, seeks to provide answers to questions such as, “What are the proposed solutions on the market from the industry? How to compare existing solutions? How to improve their daily use? What are the benefits and the drawbacks? What is coming next?”. The congress and tradeshow is a place to ask, share, and answer the multiple questions emerging among professionals about 3D digital technologies in odontology.
Presentations are planned to include “Planning implants in the esthetic zone using new implant 3D navigation system; Dental impressions using intra-oral scanners become reality; Digital dentistry innovations for restorative treatment; 3D imagery introduction using volume scanning; Reverse engineering and 3D scanning benefits in dentistry; Orthodontics aligner: invisible braces; Dental anatomy and orthodontics: the benefits of the 3D scanners”.
Workshops will be covering topics such as “Introducing CBCT and 3D imaging in the dental practitioner's office; Integrating volume tomodensitometry in the dental cabinet – theory and practice; 3D imaging and treatment planning demystified: a multidisciplinary conference on 3D imaging in dentistry; Hands-On Training: unlocking the power of 3D imaging – the Montreal Dental Imaging”.
Manufacturers of 3D digital technologies for dentistry co-operate with experts and dentists in the development and improvement of these innovative tools. Imagina provides a platform for them to present and share their findings in Monaco: 7 – 9 February 2012 (www.imagina.mc).