Closing Symposium

This lecture will discuss soft tissue components of the peri-implant phenotype and the biologic classification of soft tissue graft materials from clinical perspectives to highlighting the characteristics and predictability of soft-tissue graft materials in different clinical scenarios. 

The principles, selections, procedures and technique notes of managing peri-implant phenotype modification via soft-tissue grafts and flaps in a less invasive but more predictable ways to increase soft tissue volume, augment keratinized tissue, improve implant esthetics, etc will be demonstrated to not only achieve long term stability but also avoid implant complications for the next generation of practice.

The era of digital dentistry has exploded in the last 20 years and has fundamentally changed our profession. However, it has also come at a price which questions our biologic compass as treatment has become heavily predicated on computer-guided expectations compared to decision making based on surgical experience and core treatment planning principles. From each full volume CBCT scan, a historical picture of growth and development can be gleaned, influencing our decision making. To that end, each treatment plan we put forth and the materials we choose to alter or influence bone can have consequences on the healing dynamics, the esthetic/biologic outcomes realized and, ultimately, our successes in creating sustainable conditions. The digital era has not only provided better diagnostic capabilities to assess and plan, but has given us expanded planning modalities to design more personalized surgical therapies when complex bone construction efforts are needed. This presentation will provide a historical background of guided implant technology, review current digital therapies and provide a look into the future where artificial intelligence may change the paradigm even further.