S116: Straight Talk About Implants From Incision to Bone Grafting

Abstract

The field of implant dentistry has evolved so quickly that many practitioners find themselves back peddling to develop the finesse required to restore the dentition. As with any new field, the rush is later confronted with regret and amnesia. The basics of implant reconstruction are reviewed in this session entitled “Straight Talk from Incision to Bone Grafting.” The presentation is intended for novice and moderately experienced surgeons. The development of an esthetic incision for implant and bone grafting as utilized in over 500 cases is traced and described. Its versatility is explored. Rationales for implant to implant distances and implant tooth distances are discussed. The management of vertical and horizontal deficiencies independently or in concert is explored. Discussions regarding the techniques for interpositional osteotomy, onlay bone grafting, or soft tissue augmentation using rollover flaps or subepithelial tissue will be held. Getting out of trouble is an important aspect to implant therapy. It includes implant rescue, removal, salvage and no treatment. A good surgeon knows when to put his scalpel down. Less than acceptable treatments using particulate bone graft over exposed implant surface roughness are described in realistic terms. The concept of timing for augmentation of implant surfaces is described. The second half of the presentation will focus on diagnostic exercises carried out in group session modality to demonstrate the importance of treatment planning for optimal results.