Sunday, June 14, 2009 8 am - 12 pm

Optional Program: Limited Attendance Hands-On Training

(Separate Registration is Required)

Alveolar Ridge Augmentation: A Hands-On Bone Grafting Technique Course With Dr. Michael A. Pikos

Autogenous block grafting and ridge splitting must be integrated into treatment planning by today’s implant surgeon to effectively treat patients with compromised implant sites. This clinically oriented hands-on technique course will draw from the author’s experience over an eighteen-year time frame. The indications, contraindications, and surgical protocol will be analyzed to feature the art and science of autogenous block grafting and ridge splitting as a biological and biomechanical foundation for optimal implant placement.

Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Compare and evaluate the indications for mandibular block grafts and ridge splitting.

• Understand and apply the surgical protocol for utilization of autogenous mandibular block grafts and ridge splitting.

• Prevent, evaluate and treat complications associated with autogenous block grafts and ridge splitting.

Critical Soft Tissue Techniques: A Hands-On Course With Dr. Maurice A. Salama

Part and parcel of a thorough dental evaluation today is to determine the gingival phenotype of the individual. Thickness of the gingiva, zone of attached tissue and tissue color all play important roles in developing the long-term health and esthetics in dental treatment of any kind. The exact determination of the location of the underlying bone acts as a prognostic indicator of future soft tissue levels.

Soft tissue grafting techniques, new regenerative materials and bioactivators will be highlighted. The expanding role of allograft materials (Alloderm, Dermis, Pericardium) and when to utilize them will be suggested. The ability of these combined protocols to alter the soft tissue profile around natural teeth, implants, edentulous ridges, as well as to support facial soft tissue structures will be reviewed as to its critical role in “Complete Esthetics”.

This hands-on course will highlight the three most utilized soft tissue procedures in clinical practice, the socket graft, ridge augmentation and root coverage procedures. It will teach in detail and simplify the process of site evaluation, critical anatomy, flap design, harvest techniques and suturing.

Objectives

• To learn basic Surgical Anatomy and Incision Techniques in Soft Tissue Surgery.

• To apply three commonly used soft tissue grafting techniques in clinical practice.

• To learn modified suturing methods to secure flaps and grafts.