Czech Perio Days 2024 in Olomouc: experts share advances in periodontal science

On 4 and 5 October 2024, the city of Olomouc in the Czech Republic hosted the annual Perio Days conference, bringing together top specialists in periodontology and implantology. The event was an opportunity for professionals to discuss the latest findings in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex periodontal conditions.

The conference opened with a presentation by Professor Luigi Nibali from King's College London, who explored the complexities of aggressive periodontitis (stage IV), a condition often seen in both young people and adults. Prof. Nibali traced the evolution of periodontal disease classifications over time, emphasising the importance of the current EFP guidelines, which focus on precise diagnosis through staging and grading of the disease. He illustrated how accurate classification is crucial for determining targeted therapies.

In his lecture, Nibali also discussed the risk factors for periodontal disease in children and young adults, offering case studies to highlight diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Using diagrams, he introduced the concept of minimally invasive non-surgical therapy (MINST), a three-step approach involving supragingival and subgingival treatments followed by antibiotic therapy and reassessment after three months. He further underscored the increased risk of peri-implantitis in patients with aggressive periodontitis, recommending family screening and thorough oral hygiene as part of comprehensive treatment.

Following Professor Nibali’s presentation, Professor Vojtěch Thon from Masaryk University, Brno, presented a compelling session on autoimmune diseases, exploring the mechanisms of immune function and its implications for conditions that damage body tissues. He addressed mucosal immunity specifically, advocating for mucosal vaccination and immunobiotics to boost immune defence against bacterial infections.

Doctor Petr Barták from Asklepion Praha concluded the first day with an in-depth look at bone tissue augmentation, focusing on the surgical technique of bone splitting to address tissue deficits. According to Dr Barták, the key to success lies in precise diagnosis, selecting the right instruments, and a carefully targeted treatment plan, which results in more functional and aesthetically pleasing implant outcomes.

Highlights from day 2

On the second day of the Czech congress, Dr Michal Štefanatny from Žilina, Slovakia, addressed comprehensive therapy for Stage IV periodontitis. Dr Štefanatny emphasised the need for staging and grading to understand disease risk better and stressed that effective patient cooperation is crucial. He shared case studies on advanced tissue damage and explained his collaborative approach with orthodontists.

Dr Barbora Králíčková from Bulovka Hospital, Prague, offered a practical perspective on managing HIV-positive patients in dental settings. To begin, Dr Králíčková explained the HIV burden in the Czech Republic and around the world. She presented the unique oral symptoms seen in these patients, such as Kaposi’s sarcoma, candidiasis, and hairy leucoplakia, which can signal the disease. She assured that 97% of patients in treatment are non-infectious, thanks to lifelong care in HIV treatment centres.

Dr Peter Abelovský from Zvolen, Slovakia, shared lessons from implantology cases. He discussed common errors in implant placement, such as the incorrect positioning, which may necessitate challenging explantations. Abelovský stressed that experience is essential for adapting treatment plans and addressing unforeseen complications.

The conference concluded with Professor René Foltán from Charles University, who spoke on managing soft tissues around implants. Emphasising the critical role of keratinised and attached gingiva for implant stability, especially in frontal teeth, Prof. Foltán shared innovative techniques like the Tent and Roll methods. He highlighted how effective soft tissue management can support better oral microbiome balance and improve long-term outcomes.

Overall, Czech Perio Days 2024 offered valuable insights into the latest approaches in periodontal care and fostered engaging discussions among experts.

The Czech Perio Society announces that the next Perio Days will take place in Špindlerův Mlýn on 25–26 May 2025.

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