From the Editor’s Desk

Esthetic implant complications and failures:the members of the Editorial Board ofForum Implantologicum are unanimous in
their opinion that this unpleasant drawbackof the otherwise mostly unrivaled successstory written by contemporary implantdentistry in terms of replacing missing teeth
deserves particular attention. Not only
because esthetic implant complications
are increasingly observed, are emotionallyand economically traumatic for both thepatients and clinicians involved, and areoften difficult to correct. But also because
this evolution carries with it a certain riskof discrediting implant dentistry as a whole.
In order to both counter this potential risk
and address this clinically highly relevant
topic comprehensively, as well as keeping
in mind the limited publishing space at ourdisposal, we feel privileged that the fourauthors selected all accepted our invitation.

First, Dr. Stuart Froum, who is undoubtedly
a prominent expert in the field as he blew
the whistle in the form of the remarkabletextbook entitled “Dental Implant complications: etiology, prevention, and treatment”.
Second, Dr. William Martin, who authoredthe internationally acknowledged “Esthetic
risk assessment” checklist and who agreed
to provide a update. Third, Dr. Christopher
Evans, who is one of the first authors to alert
the profession to the potential relationshipbetween immediate implant placement
and mucosal recession, agreed to provide
a state-of-the-art critical appraisal. Fourth,
Dr. Daniel Buser, who introduced theconcept of danger and comfort zones whenit comes to correct 3D implant positioning
in the anterior maxilla and preventionof esthetic failures and who has extensive
expertise in implant removal due to themany patients with severe esthetic implantcomplications referred to his clinic. As isconcluded by all four authors, most esthetic
implant complications and failures can be,at least in part, attributed to misjudgment
and/or inadequate clinical performance ofthe operator(s) involved. This fact confirms
once again the validity of ITI’s primarycommitment to education.
A particular highlight of the present issue
is the analysis relative to the evolutionof dental medicine in general and to implantdentistry, dental education and the ITI inparticular, given by a – if not THE – personality who has unprecedentedly marked
our profession: Professor Jan Lindhe. Amongthe many reflections made during theinterview on the occasion of his honorary
ITI Fellowship, he specifically recognized

the ITI’s uncompromising commitment toeducation. Indeed, what an honor andprivilege for all of us to be part of a professional organization that is considered worthyof membership by Jan Lindhe.
For the second time, the recently introduced “ITI-Funded Research – Meet the Researchers” section has its place in this issue
as it clearly triggered a positive response
from the readership. Hence we will enthusiastically carry on presenting rising researchteams around the globe and give them theopportunity to provide insight into theircurrent scientific endeavors – approved andfunded by the ITI Research Committee. Thistime, the University of Louisville, Kentucky,
School of Dentistry, is in the spotlight,
presenting an ambitious project in the fieldof digital implant prosthodontics.
Furthermore, we also continued the Forum’s
tradition of providing the readership withthe popular Presentation and Photo Tips
columns. Luckily, the authors do not show
any signs of fatigue or wear – quite theopposite! The entire Editorial Board ofForum Implantologicum sincerely reiterates
its recognition to the originators and hopesthat they will continue to contribute.
Last, but not least, my deep gratitude
goes again to Matthias Joesch, the Head ofCommunications at ITI Headquarters, for
his untiring commitment and service to theForum Implantologicum.

Urs Belser
Editor-in-Chief

Volume 11 / Issue 2 / 201563