W&H sets new standards in periodontology with NIWOP

At EuroPerio9, W&H unveiled the “No Implantology without Periodontology” (NIWOP) treatment workflow. With this workflow, W&H highlights the importance of a healthy periodontal condition prior to implantation. In this interview, Bernhard Eder, W&H Product Manager of Prophylaxis and Periodontology, discusses why W&H is setting standards in periodontology and which advantages users may expect.

Please could you give us a brief insight into the development of the NIWOP workflow?

For years, W&H has been strongly represented in the dental implantology sector by devices such as Implantmed and Piezomed. The sharing of experience with many expert implantologists and periodontologists is also an integral part of this. One issue that was raised during many discussions was the already mentioned connection between periodontitis and periimplantitis. For this reason, W&H has decided to use NIWOP to address the prophylaxis and periodontology application areas, along with those of oral surgery and implantology.

I would like to point out that “No Implantology without Periodontology” is not a W&H invention, but the bottom line of numerous scientific publications. During the development of the detailed NIWOP workflow, which comprises the superordinate components – pre-treatment, implantation and follow-up care – W&H has been supported by several experts, including Dr med. Karl-Ludwig Ackermann and Prof Dr med. Ralf Roessler.

Which target groups is NIWOP aiming at?

NIWOP is aiming at all dentists working in the field of implantology and dental hygienists who provide pre-treatment and follow-up care. Particularly in the field of follow-up care, dental hygienists play an important role as they contribute significantly to implant preservation. We also want to focus NIWOP at the patient and highlight the importance of a healthy periodontium.

What advantages can users of a method according to the NIWOP workflow expect?

Indeed, NIWOP cannot guarantee successful treatment. However, evaluations by scientific publications have shown that treatment carried out according to the NIWOP workflow can significantly increase implant success.

Patient information materials produced by W&H can also be used. In other words, the importance of periodontal pre- and post-treatment is visualised. This not only has a positive effect on patient compliance, but also facilitates the justification of additional recall costs.

Which W&H products would you recommend for an operation according to the NIWOP workflow?

W&H is the only manufacturer who can provide products for every single NIWOP treatment step. We offer products that stand out not only for their quality, but also for their innovative features that benefit both user and the patient, such as the W&H Osstell ISQ module for measuring implant stability.

During implantation, particular emphasis should be put on Implantmed and Piezomed surgical devices. The functionalities of Implantmed are perfectly adapted to the requirements of implantologists when inserting implants. In addition, the W&H Osstell ISQ module provides information on the correct time for loading an implant. With Piezomed, along with Implantmed, bones can be treated gently and effectively – for example when bone blocks or lateral windows are prepared for augmentations. In addition, special instrument tips for the piezo surgical preparation of the implantation site are available.

In terms of pre- and post-treatment, the Piezo scaler Tigon+ is a highlight. Tigon+ is easy and comfortable to use and treats the patient with a warm fluid. This minimises the irritation of sensitive teeth and increases patient compliance. The Piezo scaler tip range is adapted to the many requirements of periodontological treatment and the supportive periodontitis treatment biofilm management. A special PEEK-coated tip is available for gently cleaning the implant-borne crown during a Check-up.

The professional mechanical removal of plaque and biofilm is also an integral part of the pre- and post-treatment. This is where the new Proxeo TWIST LatchShort Polishing System comes into play. The working height of the system is 4 mm lower than that of standard latch systems. For users, this means more mobility in oral cavities.

How can interested users find out more about NIWOP?

EuroPerio9 in June 2018 was just the beginning. W&H will be taking NIWOP to a number of trade fairs and congresses in 2019. EFP Perio Master Clinic 2019 in Hong Kong and IDS 2019 in Cologne are worthy of mention. The NIWOP workflow and related products will be presented in detail on our stand. The trade fair team will be happy to provide information to anyone who is interested. In the meantime, plenty of additional details can be found on our website at niwop.wh.com.

Many thanks for the interview!