“It’s all about wound healing”

Dr Zuhr, your lecture at this year’s EAO congress focuses on surgical factors that can influence soft-tissue healing. Could you please give a brief overview of the key points you will cover in your presentation?
First of all, attendees will learn that there are various categories of risk factors that influence soft-tissue wound healing outcomes, but only some of these factors can be controlled by clinicians. From there, we will concentrate on the risk factors that can be controlled, which are primarily related to ensuring optimal blood supply in the surgical field and maintaining the best possible stability of the wound after surgical intervention.

Soft-tissue healing is a critical aspect of periodontics and implant dentistry. Why do you believe it’s essential for clinicians to have a deeper understanding of the factors that influence soft-tissue healing?
It’s all about wound healing. Success or failure in reconstructive periodontal implant surgery is primarily determined by soft-tissue wound healing outcomes. The ultimate goal, most of the time, is to achieve healing by primary intention. There are many examples of this: periodontal regeneration, successful guided bone regeneration, and soft-tissue reconstruction in areas of high aesthetic importance all rely on healing by primary intention.

“A major highlight this year will be the live surgery showcasing the challenging treatment of vertical hard-tissue defects.”

Your research focuses on soft-tissue wound healing and reconstruction. Could you share some of the latest insights or findings in this area that you think will have a significant impact on clinical approaches in the near future?
There are many exciting developments that come to mind. One is the ability to measure volumetric changes using digital measurement technology. I am convinced that this will bring significant changes to the techniques we apply in treating our patients. Additionally, on a more foundational level, I believe that in the future we will be able to use laser technology to visualise tissue beneath the mucosal surface in the oral cavity—potentially identifying true periodontal ligament fibres. Another fascinating development is Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation for measuring blood flow circulation, recently recommended by Dr Lorenzo Tavelli’s group at Harvard.¹ There are indeed many intriguing advancements occurring right now.

The EAO congress is a prominent event for professionals in implant dentistry. What are some of the emerging trends or developments you have seen in periodontics and implant surgery that you believe will be highlighted at this year’s meeting?
Looking through the programme, I have seen many intriguing topics. One key focus is the treatment of peri-implantitis, addressing questions such as how to achieve re-osseointegration and the fine line between maintaining an implant or opting for removal and replacement. These are highly relevant subjects for me. Innovations in digital technologies are also always exciting. A major highlight this year will be the live surgery showcasing the challenging treatment of vertical hard-tissue defects.

What advice would you give to clinicians looking to enhance their skills in soft-tissue management and achieve better clinical outcomes?
Those who know me understand that I’m not particularly fond of cookbook approaches or rigid clinical protocols. I believe in focusing on three key areas for self-improvement. Firstly, increasing one’s knowledge by embracing lifelong learning is essential. Secondly, improving one’s decision-making skills by cultivating critical thinking is crucial. Finally, manual skills are incredibly important. I think it’s essential to view manual dexterity not as an innate talent but as a motor skill that can be developed and improved at any stage, regardless of current ability.

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