14 October 2022

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Re-learning implantology: Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, Part 3

'Zirconia is a diva'

Paola Omini

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Dentistry33’s Paola Omini recently discussed the use of zirconia implants with Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, founder, and current president of the International Academy of Ceramic Implantology. This is the third and final part of the interview.

If you missed the other parts of the interview, part 1 and part 2 are on the journal's site. 

Q: How can technology and manufacturing companies help accelerate the adoption of ceramic implants?

A: Technology companies have done an amazing job in this realm. In the last 10 years, we have gone from 100 percent one-piece implants, because those were the ones that could predictably withstand the stresses of the oral cavity, to two-piece ceramic implants. The technology is there and it's evolving fast. 

Manufacturing has begun to take different approaches, from the original milling of the ceramic block into implants to injection molding and, more recently, 3D printing. Above all, injection molding has reduced the cost of ceramic implants, and this has helped a lot. 

Injection molding is a well-established and proven technology that allows us to produce a considerable number of implants in less time. Manufacturers are also increasingly accepting ceramic implants and adding them to their portfolios one way or another. 

Are they marketing and presenting ceramic implants enough? I do not think so. There are large organizations, such as Nobel, Straumann and others, which have ceramic implants in their portfolio, but they are not making an aggressive push to offer them to the dental community. 

What’s even more interesting is the fact that some of these large companies ‘white label’ other implants, so that they can have ceramic implants in their portfolio. This is an interesting phenomenon, and the industry is watching, listening and responding. 

Q: Where is the future of dental implants headed?

A: The answer goes back to the question of who is requesting ceramic implants: The public is increasingly becoming conscious of their health, what they eat, which materials they want to use or accept, and which type of medical procedure they are willing to take versus others. 

For a while, this market will continue to be patient-driven. But I only see growth in the demand for ceramic implants because they are rapidly bridging the gap with conventional implants in terms of options and prosthetics solutions. 

Today, we can plan and deliver over 95% of implant rehabilitation procedures using ceramic implants. The range of prosthetic components is continuously and quickly evolving. We now have two-piece cemented and two-piece screw-retained abutments, both angled and straight. So, there are options. 

Ceramic implants will continue to grow as a product and will take their share in the implant market, but the complete elimination of titanium implants in the immediate future is not realistic.

Q: What resources and training opportunities exist for clinicians who want to learn more and being to use ceramic implantology?

A: Resources have been available for decades now in North America, and even longer in Europe. We have the International Academy of Ceramic Implantology (IAOCI) globally and in North America. 

The Academy hosts annual meetings and provides. courses, workshops, live-patient surgical training, and webinars. Dentists can become a member of the IAOCI and take advantage of all the educational courses and resources we provide including videos, literature and discussion forums. 

We have mentorship programs and many of our experienced implantologists are open to mentoring new adopters.

Reach out to the Academy if you have questions. We are always available to point out an educational opportunity around the world or in your country.

Part 1 and part 2 of this interview are on the journal's site. 

About Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, DDS, MS

Dr. Sammy Noumbissi earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington D.C. He subsequently attended the full-time three-year Graduate Program in Implant Dentistry at Loma Linda University in California. His advanced studies culminated with Noumbissi being certified in Implant Dentistry and he also earned a master’s degree in Implant Surgery. 

He has been a Ceramic Implant Specialist for over 10 years, and he is the founder and president of the International Academy of Ceramic Implantology.

About the International Academy of Ceramic Implantology (IAOCI)

The International Academy of Ceramic Implantology is the first professional worldwide organization established around the concept that ceramic dental implants are a viable, safe and predictable option for teeth replacement. The IAOCI seeks to achieve its goals with state-of-the-art education, research and scientific evidence. It regards itself as a comprehensive resource for dental health professionals within which the latest research, innovations, news and articles on the topics of ceramic implants and dental bio ceramics are studied and disseminated. Educational activities and collaborations serve the Academy’s mission to educate, support and broaden the reach of metal-free implantology.