A novel tooth replacement solution called Symbionic Teeth promises to significantly reduce one of the biggest problems in implant dentistry—peri-implantitis—over the long term through a mucosal defense barrier. According to long-term studies, Symbionic Teeth can prevent bacterial infiltration of the surrounding tissues and thus help avoid inflammation.
In this interview with Oliver Rohkamm from dental JOURNAL, Marco Waldner, CEO of the Symbionic Teeth manufacturer Patent Medical, discusses what sets this novel tooth replacement technology apart from dental implants available today and explains why the often-cited “survival rate” can be misleading.
Listen to the interview on Spotify [GERMAN only]:
Symbionic Teeth: First Tooth Replacement Solution With a Mucosal Defense Barrier
Peri-implant diseases are among the most common complications in implant dentistry: according to a large-scale study review, 22% of implant patients suffer from peri-implantitis and 43% are affected by mucositis, which—if left untreated—typically progresses to peri-implantitis. The consequences include irreversible damage, up to and including implant loss.
Against this background, the Swiss company Patent Medical, founded by CEO Marco Waldner, is introducing Symbionic Teeth as an advancement of conventional dental implants. The key difference lies in a mucosal defense barrier that forms when oral soft tissue bonds to the collar of Symbionic Teeth.
In the interview, Waldner emphasizes that with conventional dental implants, soft tissue merely adheres to the implant surface. In contrast, Symbionic Teeth, with their mucosal defense barrier, fundamentally change the possibilities of tissue integration in the soft-tissue region. Similar to the soft-tissue barrier of natural teeth, this mucosal defense barrier can prevent plaque and bacteria from penetrating deep into the tissue and causing inflammation.
According to the Waldner, two independent long-term studies show promising results: over periods of up to 12 years, no cases of peri-implantitis were observed with Symbionic Teeth—even among high-risk patients. Clinically, healthy tissue levels were also observed, with probing depths comparable to those of natural teeth.
The Symbionic Teeth technology therefore comes closer to the natural tooth than any previous tooth replacement solution.
All photos courtesy of dental JOURNAL (Oliver Rohkamm).