Lectures

Evolution of Mucogingival Surgery to Periodontal Plastic Surgery

Tribute to PD Miller

Speaker:- Dr. Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan

Duel at Dawn: Do we REALLY need a CTG with immediate implant procedures in the esthetic zone?

Speakers:- Eduardo Lorenzana & Phil Walton

Description:

The timelines, protocols and indications of implant dentistry are constantly evolving. Once hotly debated, immediacy protocols are not only being accepted as a viable treatment option but a high level of care when attempting to achieve optimal esthetic outcomes. However, these same day approaches must follow important tenets for success and one of the widely contemplated but commonly faced decision-making processes is how to manage the bone-implant void presented during such cases, often referred to as the horizontal defect dimension (HDD). Many have advocated an array of options and biomaterials. This presentation will focus on whether soft tissue augmentation is a necessity for long term function and aesthetics when compared to alternative modalities such as dual zone therapy. Drs. Lorenzana and Walton will examine the workflows and treatments for managing the so-called “gap” that lead to predictable hard and soft tissue maintenance in our effort to provide lasting outcomes in the esthetic zone.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to:

  • Showcase workflows involved with immediate placement and temporization in the esthetic zone.
  • Emphasize the importance of managing the bone-implant void/HDD during immediate placement.
  • Review cases and literature examining gap management therapy.
  • Compare soft tissue augmentation protocols vs dual zone therapy in the maintenance of hard and soft tissue architecture around immediate implants.

Periodontal Plastic Surgery: Open or Closed?

Speakers:- BJ Chen & Teresa Chanting Sun

Description:

Periodontal plastic surgery aims to restore both aesthetics and function by correcting soft tissue deficiencies around teeth. This presentation compares two dominant approaches for soft tissue augmentation: the tunnel and its related technique and the coronally advanced flap-based technique. By examining the indications, advantages, limitations, and potential complications of both open and closed techniques, attendees will gain insights into tailoring surgical strategies based on individual patient needs and preferences.

Objectives:

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Compare the clinical applications, benefits, and drawbacks of the tunnel technique and CAF for periodontal soft tissue augmentation.
  • Evaluate potential complications associated with open and closed approaches in periodontal plastic surgery.
  • Select the most appropriate surgical techniques to optimize clinical and aesthetic outcomes in a patient-specific manner.

Keep it Simple: Rethinking Complex Techniques for Better Results

Speakers:- Michael Sonick and Aleem Manji

Description:

Often, we perform complex surgical procedures to achieve minimal aesthetic gains, sometimes overlooking their true impact on our patients’ lives. We battle through multiple surgeries for just a millimeter of success while underutilizing simpler, equally effective techniques. This presentation will focus on streamlined approaches to bone and soft tissue augmentation that achieve superior aesthetic results without unnecessary complexity. Attendees will gain insight into how thoughtful planning—not just technical execution—can lead to exceptional, predictable outcomes.

Objectives:

  • Minimize surgical complexity while maximizing aesthetic outcomes
    Introduce streamlined bone and soft tissue augmentation techniques that reduce surgical time, patient morbidity, and the number of procedures required—without compromising clinical results.
  • Promote thoughtful treatment planning over technical overreach
    Emphasize the role of comprehensive, patient-centered planning as a pathway to predictable success, rather than relying solely on complex or invasive techniques.
  • Enhance clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction
    Demonstrate how simplified, evidence-based protocols can improve practice efficiency, reduce complications, and elevate the patient experience.

 

The Quest for Achieving Interdental Papilla Competence

Speakers:- Homa Zadeh & Peter Nordland

Description:

Interdental papilla competence is defined as the optimal filling of the interdental embrasure with papillary tissue, while papillary deficiency, often leading to the formation of black triangles, results from incomplete filling of this space. Various reconstructive techniques have been proposed to address this challenge, but many have not consistently yielded successful outcomes. This presentation will explore an, interdisciplinary approach to achieving interdental papilla competence, highlighting the collaborative roles of periodontal plastic surgery, clear aligner orthodontic treatment, and prosthetic management.

Objectives:

  • Understand the complexities and challenges associated with interproximal attachment loss.
  • Learn the clinical application of VISTA (Vertical and Interdental Soft Tissue Augmentation) as a treatment for interdental papillary deficiency.
  • Explore the adjunctive roles of clear aligner therapy and prosthetic solutions in managing interdental papilla loss.

Acellular Dermal Matrix, Free Gingival, or Connective Tissue Graft? Selection Based on Tissue Characteristics for Phenotype Change and Gingival Recessions

Speakers:- Salvador Garcia

Description:

This presentation aims to identify relevant tissue characteristics to consider in phenotype change and gingival recession procedures, such as the amount of keratinized and attached tissue, presence and high attachment of the frenulum, gingival phenotype, papilla loss, number of recessions, and their height and width, to ensure the correct selection of the technique and graft in different clinical scenarios, preventing complications, increasing predictability, and improving aesthetic outcomes.

Objectives:

The purpose is to describe and evaluate the local characteristics involved in the development of gingival recessions and their influence as a determining factor for graft selection and their importance for long-term treatment stability. This approach also includes the selection of the technique, prioritizing the gingival phenotype in specific situations.

Periodontal Plastic Surgery on compromised patients and multiple recessions (from molar to molar)

Speakers:- Gerardo Chacon

Description:

The aim of this lecture is to present complex cases scenarios, with systemic compromised patients who presented several mucogingival alterations that affected their lives (Health, function and esthetic). The Objectives we will face: The review of the background, the systemic factors, the local conditions and the step by step from the surgical perspective to achieve predictable results and long-term outcomes.

For multiple recessions scenario (From molar to molar) The objectives will be the deepest analysis of the entire defect, the bio-architecture of the recessions, the surgical perspective, the landmarks, and projections to the coverage, the technique and the unilateral harvesting from the palate to avoid bad feelings on the patient, and the long therm follow up.

A Creepy Periodontal Love Story

Speakers:- Vinay Bhide & Thomas Nguyen

Description:

Post-operative creeping attachment is a well-documented phenomenon following gingival grafting procedures, contributing to improved soft tissue coverage and long-term stability. This presentation will delve into the biological mechanisms driving this gradual coronal migration of the gingival margin. We will explore key clinical factors influencing its occurrence and extent, including graft selection, surgical techniques, and patient-specific variables. By understanding this process, clinicians can better predict and optimize surgical outcomes, leading to enhanced aesthetics and functional results.

Objectives:

  • Understand the biological mechanisms behind post-operative creeping attachment.
  • Identify clinical factors that influence its occurrence and magnitude.
  • Evaluate its impact on aesthetic and functional outcomes in gingival grafting.
  • Apply strategies to optimize creeping attachment in clinical practice.

Management of Gingival Recession with Interproximal Attachment Loss: Challenges and Considerations

Speakers:-Makoto Ono & Takuya Takano

Description:

The treatment of gingival recession with interproximal attachment loss remains highly unpredictable and challenging. Over the years, numerous clinicians have attempted various surgical techniques, suturing methods, and biomaterials such as growth factors to improve outcomes. In this session, we will present our approaches and strategies for managing gingival recession with interproximal attachment loss, as well as techniques for interproximal papilla reconstruction.

Objectives:

  • Understand the challenges of gingival recession with interproximal attachment loss.
  • Describe root coverage techniques that are expected to be effective for papilla reconstruction.
  • Understand the effects of growth factors in papilla reconstruction.

Managing Implant Complications: Surgical to Prosthetics

Speakers:- Vahid Khoshkam & Fadi Hasan

Description:

This lecture will explore the challenges associated with esthetic complications in dental implant therapy and will provide a comprehensive overview of both surgical and prosthetic strategies to manage and prevent these issues. Participants will gain insights into the etiology of esthetic failures, diagnostic considerations, and evidence-based techniques to optimize implant esthetics. Real-world case presentations and clinical solutions will be discussed to enhance the predictability of esthetic outcomes.

Objectives:

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the key factors leading to esthetic complications in dental implant therapy.
  • Recognize the role of soft and hard tissue deficiencies in esthetic failures and understand the biological principles governing implant esthetics.
  • Evaluate diagnostic tools and treatment planning strategies to prevent esthetic complications.
  • Implement surgical techniques, including soft tissue augmentation and bone grafting, to enhance esthetic outcomes.
  • Apply prosthetic approaches, including customized abutments, provisionalization, and restorative material selection, to optimize esthetics.
  • Analyze clinical case studies to develop problem-solving skills for managing esthetic complications in implant dentistry.

Clinical Key Points for Long-Term Success of GBR with Absorbable Membranes

Speakers:- Takeshi Sasaki & Mari Nakaya

Description:

This presentation will discuss clinical key points for successful GBR with absorbable membranes. Absorbable membranes have high biocompatibility and wound healing stability, and many papers have reported bone augmentation comparable to that of non-absorbable membranes. We too have been performing GBR with absorbable membranes in our clinical practice for more than 20 years and have obtained many good long-term outcomes.
 
However, absorbable membranes are difficult to obtain and maintain the space required for successful GBR, and the expected bone augmentation may not be achieved in some cases. In this presentation, we will introduce the methods of space acquisition and maintenance according to the bone defect morphology, and discuss the effectiveness of each technique and points to be considered.

Objectives:

  • Describe the efficacy, safety, and long-term stability of GBR using absorbable membranes.
  • Understand the key factors that lead to successful GBR.
  • Describe the methods of space acquisition and maintenance according to the bone defect morphology.

Flap Management for Successful Periodontal Regenerative Therapy

Speakers:- Yoshitaka Nara & Yuichiro Ihara

Description:

Periodontal regenerative therapy is an effective treatment for saving teeth affected by periodontitis. To achieve successful periodontal regeneration, primary wound closure and preservation of the interdental papilla are crucial. Various surgical techniques, including papilla preservation techniques, have been reported previously. In addition, new approaches have been developed in recent years for more favorable outcomes.
 
In this session, we would like to demonstrate the triangle papilla access approach (T-PAA) and the flexible tunnel technique (FTT), respectively and showcase them.

Objectives:

  • Outline the requirements for periodontal regeneration.
  • Describe the factors that determine incision design in the interdental areas.
  • Demonstrate the effects and limitations of each technique that does not involve an incision in the interdental areas.

The Art & Science of Flap Designs Around Teeth and Implants; The Blueprint to Achieve Esthetic Outcomes

Speakers:- Shayan Barootchi & Lorenzo Tavelli

Description:

Flap design is a fundamental aspect of periodontal and implant surgery that directly impacts esthetic outcomes, healing dynamics, and long-term success. This lecture will provide a comprehensive exploration of the principles, techniques, and decision-making strategies involved in designing effective flaps for both teeth and implants. Attendees will gain scientific insights and clinical pearls on how to optimize soft tissue handling, minimize complications, and achieve predictable, esthetically pleasing results.
 
Through a blend of evidence-based knowledge, clinical case demonstrations, and advanced techniques, this session will showcase how to enhance surgical outcomes by adopting contemporary methods and techniques of the art and science of flap design.

Objectives:

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the Biologic and Mechanical Principles of Contemporary Flap Designs for Teeth and Implants to achieve greater esthetic outcomes
  • Understanding how flap designs can drive our surgical results and help reduce chances for complications
  • Enhance Esthetic and Functional Outcomes by optimizing flap tension, positioning, and suturing techniques. And address common challenges in achieving seamless tissue blending and contouring.
  • Minimize Surgical Complications & Improve Predictability. Implement strategies to reduce post-operative complications and enhance patient comfort.

Mandibular Anterior Recessions – My Arch Nemesis!

Speakers:- Satoko Rubin & Sejal Thacker

Description:

Mandibular anterior teeth with recessions present with a clinical challenge to all clinicians While the management of mucogingival defects and soft tissue deficiencies are within the realm of our specialty the unique challenges related to mandibular anterior teeth stem from anatomic issues such as shallow vestibular depth, frequent aberrant frenal attachments, thin gingival phenotype and minimal zone of keratinized tissue. This can be compounded by factors such as short conical roots with mobility of teeth and malposition of teeth. This session will explore these challenges and provide a comprehensive review of traditional, contemporary, and hybrid techniques for managing mucogingival deficiencies. A multidisciplinary approach will also be discussed to enhance long-term predictability and clinical success.

Objectives:

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

  • Identify key anatomical and biological factors contributing to recession defects in the mandibular anterior region.
  • Learn about traditional, contemporary, and hybrid techniques for managing mucogingival deficiencies in mandibular anterior teeth
  • Integrate a multidisciplinary perspective to improve outcomes and long-term stability