Now back again in Albufeira with a new project, doctor Cris Piessens is entirely committed to dental implantology. A speciality to which he has been dedicated for the past 30 years.
Doctor Cris Piessens loves perfection and his work reflects this philosophy.

“I have a defect: professionally I like everything to be perfect.” said the Doctor who takes his passion for his work to a level of perfection, striving for just one goal: to honour the confidence the patient places in his hands by giving them the smile they have been wanting for a lifetime.

The success of his work and his envious reputation means that he always is welcoming new patients from all over the world, resulting in placing between 400 and 500 dental implants yearly.

Doctor Cris Piessens’s journey first began in 1986 when he graduated from Brussels University. The following year in 1987, after a full year of postgraduate specialisation, he fondly remembers placing his first implant. Since then we can trace a path of implant courses, workshops and congresses which have taken him on a worldwide voyage visiting, and constantly learning from, the most renowned professors in the field.

Today doctor Cris Piessens himself has become an international reference in implant dentistry.

Under the motto: “Knowledge is a unique kind of property indeed you can share it with others while still possessing it.” he is lecturing with unequalled enthusiasm and experience with his own courses, mainly teaching the All-on-Four technique. As such he has instructed many of his Algarve based colleagues working with his particular AO4 protocol.

This aspect of his life is portrayed through the walls of the back office where he welcomed The Portugal News.

On one side we see a huge wood-carved map of the world, while on the opposite wall we read the diplomas he has collected, spanning more than 30 years of continuous learning. Doctor Cris Piessens, in addition to being a professional recognised by his peers, is also loved among his patients for his warm and human approach. His calm and gentle nature will make you rapidly feel at ease and confident.

A large part of this is helped by the fact that, being Belgian, Dr Cris Piessens is fluent in 5 languages. Speaking Dutch, French, English, German and Portuguese makes communication in the dental clinic so much easier.

Since he was a boy Dr Cris loved working with his hands. This dream has made obvious the choice of changing to dentistry after 3 years of studying general medicine.

He realised how special dentistry is in the relationship between the patient and the doctor who follows the entire process from the beginning until the final result.

“What I love in dentistry is seeing the patient entering the clinic with a problem, making a medical diagnosis and planning, treating them all the way and seeing this patient leaving with the results of our work. This combination of science, knowledge, experience, and a touch of artistry, makes dentistry the most beautiful profession I could ever have chosen. That does not often happen in other medical areas. This direct result from my work motivates me to reach out for that level of constant perfection.

“For the dentist, that means that we have to meet the expectations of our patients. Therefore during the first appointment, we talk and discuss options to try to understand the patient’s goals and wishes. This first consultation takes place in the back office in a relaxed atmosphere away from the dental chair.

“Only when the patient fully understands and feels comfortable with the proposed treatments we start making further appointments.”

In the new clinic in Albufeira- Algarve Dental Implants opened in September 2020- doctor Cris Piessens has all the facilities for his professional needs: a specific dental implant surgery room, a 3D dental scan, the All-on-4 dental implant protocol recovery, an in house laboratory for “same- day- teeth” procedures as well as a photo studio for planning and documenting new cases.

In this new project, the doctor prefers to dedicate himself to what he really loves: implantology.

“Less is more” is the principle he follows in this stage of his life.

I work less but I’m dedicating more time to every single patient, giving us more satisfaction and even better results.

The post Back to the Future – Dr. Cris Piessens | Portugal News Interview appeared first on Algarve Dental Implants.

With over three decades of dedication to dental medicine, Dr Cris Piessens is fully committed to implantology. All his knowledge and expertise, with “more time to plan, explain, follow up and work without pressure”, is what he has to offer to all his patients in his new project — Algarve Dental Implants.

Perspetiva Atual (PA): With 34 years of activity, what do you love the most about the practice of Dental Medicine?

Dr Cris Piessens (CP): Every new patient is a new challenge. All this experience allows me to work with total serenity, even in very complicated cases. It is a great pleasure to see the result of these cases, to see that the patients have no complications, or post-surgical complications, due to the accumulated technique and experience over the last 30 years. The tranquillity and being in control conveys peace and security to the patient.

PA: The evolution of Dental Medicine’s practice led to a holistic approach to the patient. How does this reality reflect on the treatment provided by Algarve Dental Implants?

CP: We always look at the patient in full. We speak, and we listen to understand the individual needs. It is in my nature to respect and look at the patient using a broad perspective. The aim is to understand if other aspects (physical or mental) can affect the diagnosis or the treatment.

PA: With a career path recognised by his peers, Dr Cris Piessens stands out for being an active voice in the development of implantology in the European context. What innovations have arisen at the level of techniques and materials used?

CP: Maybe the implants or the materials used have not suffered a spectacular development, but our knowledge of biology involved in the implantology area has made great strides. The concepts of platform switch, immediate charge, biomaterial, and the importance of soft tissues around the implant are part of those details that, with our current knowledge, help obtain better predictability of the positive result in the long term.

Dr Cris Piessens, Clinical Director of Algarve Dental Implants

PA: What are the most innovative techniques you make available to your patients?

CP: I have always invested in planning. An accurate diagnosis, in combination with a well-established treatment plan, is essential for us to avoid any surprises. We have a Planmeca CBCT (made in Finland) at the clinic. It enables us to see high-quality 3D images and plan implant surgery in the computer, virtually placing the implants. It is an essential investment for a clinic. It is a modern and essential instrument nowadays at any clinic that acts in implantology. I also took a course in Helsinki on “interpretation and manipulation of 3D images in the maxillofacial region”. If the investment in a high technology device is not followed by specific training, it’s like having a Ferrari without any pilot training.

PA: Throughout his career, he treated thousands of patients; by 2001, he had applied 1,000 dental implants. Can implantology change the life of patients?

CP: When I finished my degree in dental medicine in 1986 in Brussels, I never imagined that implantology would be part of my daily life. I never imagined that I would be helping make true what has been humanity’s dream for 2 thousand years — replacing lost teeth successfully and the pre-visibility we have now. It has changed my life, and yes (!), it changes my patients’ lives. The difference between a removable dental prosthesis, which is often not very stable in the mouth, removes self-confidence and self-esteem, and a fixed dental arch over implants integrated into the bone is so huge that I often get to see tears of joy and happiness.

“An accurate diagnosis, combined with a well-established treatment plan, is a necessity for us to avoid surprises”.

PA: Do you feel that the Portuguese are more worried about their dental health and the benefits a regular visit to the dentist has on their lives and health in general?

CP: Clearly, yes. In English, we say “dental-minded”. This means that the Portuguese know the benefits of healthy teeth and a healthy smile. And this means that dentists are permanently challenged to provide quality services. It is a balance between giving and receiving which means that more Portuguese now trust their dentist. They know that dental health is directly linked to health in general

PA: How do you see the future of oral surgery and implantology in Portugal?

CP: Dental medicine in Portugal suffered a great transformation. We went from a country where dental medicine was low quality and difficult to access by patients, in the 1990s, to a reference worldwide. Training, the quality and number of dentists qualified to apply implants in Portugal, is above average, compared to the rest of the world. The danger exists and we are seeing that “large groups” of investors are turning our especiality into a business (a tough one) and, through the war on prices and offers, they forgo the quality of service and treatment, and I don’t even like imagining what that means.

PA: What characteristics distinguish your clinical practice and enable you to obtain the loyalty of a large community of national and foreign clients?

CP: Being humble, humane and providing high-quality treatment for a fair price. Transparency and honesty, combined with more than 30 years of experience and expertise, give Dr Cris Piessens’s name an excellent reputation

PA: Besides the clinical practice, Dr Cris Piessens’ career is marked by research and training other professionals. What topics are covered in this training, and how does it happen?

CP: In 2021, we talk about the pre-and-post-COVID19 reality. I used to organize courses in small groups, emphasizing clinical practice. The topic “Immediate charge with fixed prosthesis on 4 implants” was the most popular. I also organize specific training on the prosthetic part of this protocol. With the impossibility of having presential courses, I organize webinars, like: “Zero Bone Loss – The New Golden Standard”.

“The difference between a removable dental prosthesis, often not very stable in the mouth, which removes self-confidence and self-esteem, and a fixed dental arch over implants integrated into the bone is so huge that I often see tears of joy and happiness.”

PA: How have you adapted your activity to the present context with the pandemic to assure your patients’ maximum safety?

CP: We had to adapt to this new reality. With this, I wish to say that I see fewer patients with more considerable intervals, which enables me to ventilate and sanitize the rooms even more carefully than before. We wear personal protective equipment, and the masks are adapted to the new regulations. The patient cannot bring company, which is not always great, because I like to explain and discuss the treatments with the patient’s partner. Due to my exclusive activity in implantology, I almost do not use the turbine. Therefore, I avoid aerosol with bacteria and potential viruses “floating” in the air inside the clinic.

PA: Since there is a constant concern about offering a service of excellence, are there any projects you would like to tell us about?

CP: Yes! I sold my old clinic in Albufeira last year, and now, I work exclusively in implantology, three days a week, in a center located at the entrance of the “old” center of Albufeira. So, the new motto is: “Less is more”. Fewer days at the clinic enable me to dedicate more to each case. More time to plan, explain, follow and work without pressure. This is an excellent benefit for me, and obviously, for the patient.

PA: Where can we find Dr Cris Piessens?

CP: I’m sorry that the previous clinic continues to refer to my person, experience, and expertise. This deliberately provokes some confusion to the patients who feel misled when they try to look for my service and are not duly informed that, since last year, I no longer work at that firm.

The post The Art of Creating Smiles – Dr. Cris Piessens Interview appeared first on Algarve Dental Implants.

We all have suffered from social isolation and the lack of interaction with our family, friends, and even neighbors. Not being able to travel has changed all of a sudden our usual living patterns.

The planned visits were postponed. The scheduled trips were canceled. We kind of stopped in time.

For me, 2020 has definitely been a year to remember. Not only because of Covid-19.

I have left the old clinic in Albufeira where I have been working for more than 25 years.

After a short “intermezzo” in Carvoeiro, I settled in a new Clinic, strategically very well situated at the entrance of Albufeira Old Town.

This move has enabled me to focus on my core activity which is dental implants and has given me the new opportunity to see and treat patients in a relaxed atmosphere.

Less is more.

Seeing fewer patients (only those in need of dental implant treatment) allows me to spend more time on individual planning, explanation, treatment, and aftercare.

Having spent a full year without lecturing or organizing courses for a live public, I have learned this year how to organize webinars and give digital presentations. But nothing equalizes the emotion of a live public.

With effective vaccinations on their way, we are seeing the end of the tunnel.

Definitely, 2021 will bring us the possibilities to travel again and meet in person.

It is time to pick up again our lives and plans where they stopped in 2020.

Convinced and confident I am looking forward to the beginning of the new year.

With this positive feeling, I wish you all a good year ending and hope to see you healthy and well in  2021.

The post Best Wishes for 2021 appeared first on Algarve Dental Implants.