The quality, quantity, and relative positioning of the peri-implant soft tissues between implant and supported crown, play critical roles in achieving long-term biological stability and pink aesthetics. The concept of soft-tissue integration is the new challenge in implant dentistry. Severe horizontal and vertical bone resorptions require lateral and supra-crestal regeneration, a challenge for clinicians since the external soft tissue pressure is considered to be a major reason for failure of the surgical procedure in nonspace making bone defects. Guided bone regeneration using non-resorbable membranes, customized titanium mesh as well as compressed collagen membranes have been proposed for horizontal and vertical bone augmentation. Once hard tissue has been successfully augmented, an adequate soft tissue thickness becomes mandatory in order to create healthy and stable peri-implant tissues. New technologies can help in reducing morbidity, avoiding autogenous soft-tissue grafting and using both native or cross-linked volume stable collagen matrices.

Topics to be covered by this hands-on workshop:
• Quality and quantity of peri-implant soft tissues – the importance of soft tissues in long-term crestal bone stability, soft tissue integration, and peri-implant health
• Basic overview of the spontaneous healing sequence after dental extraction - Hard tissue and soft tissue contributions to post-extraction ridge volume changes
• Timing of soft tissue augmentation and considerations: pre-implant placement, at implant placement, at implant uncovery, at crown/prosthesis insert, and after post-crown/prosthesis insertion
• Optimising aesthetic outcomes following immediate implant placement
• Periodontal plastic surgical techniques to optimise soft tissue quality and quantity at implant sites
• Soft tissue augmentation around dental implants using cross-linked collagen matrix
• Practical exercises will be conducted on appropriate models and/or pig jaws:
> Use of Collagen Matrix to increase width of keratinised mucosa
> Use of Volume Stable Collagen Matrix to increase soft tissue volume
> Flap designs and suture techniques in periodontal plastic surgery