Zero Bone Loss Concepts: Conventional and Digitally Guided Workflows | DALLAS, TEXAS

21 CE UNITS WILL BE PROVIDED

Zero bone loss concepts – a unique compilation of surgical and prosthetic factors, which are important to develop and maintain crestal bone stability.

Surgical factors start with implant design and biological aspects. Mucosal tissue thickness was shown to be the factor having an impact on crestal bone stability. Even platform switching of the implant-abutment connection does not reduce crestal bone loss if soft tissues at the implant placement are thin. It is suggested that thin tissues might be thickened during implant placement, thus reducing bone resorption. If bone height is not sufficient, vertical augmentation of the soft tissue is recommended with different materials - autograft, a xenograft or a dermis-derived allograft.

Further, it is important to preserve bone levels after prosthetic treatment. Recent research has proved that the deeper the position of the margin, the greater the amount of residual cement is left undetected. The relation between the position of cement excess in the peri-implant sulcus, periodontal status of the patient and severity of peri-implant disease is explained. To avoid cement excess, finished implant restoration with the occlusal opening is cemented on titanium base in laboratory and restoration is attached to the implant by an abutment screw. Zirconium as a material is considered the best for peri-implant soft tissues. However, it’s evident that it must be treated in a special manner and polished.

Learning objectives

1. To know the influence of vertical soft tissue thickness on crestal bone stability and be able to diagnose this condition
2. To understand how platform switching correlates with vertical soft tissue thickness and depth of implant placement
3. To learn how to control cement excess during delivery of cement-retained implant restorations.
4. To learn why polished zirconia is the best option for tissues
5. Understand how to use the digital and guided workflows to reduce implant problems and maximize esthetics and function