Treatment strategies using implants and reconstructive means are complex and long-term stability of functional and esthetic outcomes rely on healthy biological conditions. Several time-points for implant placement have been suggested with varying scientific documentation. In order to provide the best outcome possible, a combination of hard and soft tissue grafting appears to be mandatory to provide long-term stability, esthetics and health of the peri-implant tissues irrespective of the timing of implant placement.

This full-day hands-on workshop will discuss the evidence-based principles in assessing a pre-extraction situation for the most appropriate management approach.  An often encountered dilema is the decision on whether or not immediate implant placement is appropriate.  If it’s not, then what other treatment(s) should be considered? Furthermore, how can situations with inadequate pre-extraction treatment planning be managed to improve long-term prognosis. The hands-on exercises will include alveloar ridge preservation, minor guided bone regeneration, and the thickening of peri-implant soft tissues.

Topics covered in the didactic component will include:

• Consequences of tooth loss
• Timing of implant placement
• Indications and contraindications of immediate implant placement
• Managing the gap between implant and buccal/labial bone
• Evidence and principles of alveolar ridge preservation
• Classifying and managing dehiscence and/or fenestration defects
• Role of soft tissues in the long-term prognosis of implant survival and success
• Options for improving soft tissue quality and volume around implants

Hands-on exercises will be performed on innovative soft tissue models, and will include:

• Alveolar risge preservation – intact socket and socket with defect
• Minor guided bone regeneration
• Increasing soft tissue thickness using Geistlich Fibro-Gide®