The use of regenerative treatment to save failing teeth with advanced periodontal disease has been a part of the periodontist’s armamentarium for decades. What was originally performed using autogenous materials with surgical flap procedures has evolved over time to include procedures that incorporate more minimalistic approaches as well as the use of medical advances including lasers and biologics. This program will address “conventional”, minimally invasive and the use of lasers in periodontal regenerative therapy. Each approach offers unique advantages and disadvantages which will be reviewed allowing comparisons and the opportunity to identify the best possible treatment for our patients.

Compromised implant sites with bony defects require reconstruction of the defects. The selection of the technique for reconstruction and its implementation plays a crucial role in its predictability and long stability of the results. This course will review the Biologic Bone Augmentation (BBB concept) and the Split Bone Block Technique (SBBT) which were introduced by Prof. Fouad Khoury and which utilize the patient’s own vital bone which is the so-called “gold standard”. The advantage lies in the osteoinductive and osteogenic potency of the autologous bone. The course will also present innovative modifications further simplifying the methods described. The goal is to have a reconstruction of the defect in a way it that it is safe, time saving, predictable, and long lasting.

Maintaining the natural dentition remains a key goal in dental therapy. However, the trend has been to remove teeth that could possibly be saved with periodontal therapy, specifically using regenerative technologies. Advances in the development of biomaterials and surgical techniques have significantly changed the prognosis of single and multi-rooted teeth presenting with severe intrabony and furcation defects.

Key issues to increase the rate of success in regenerative periodontal surgery is the choice of the regenerative material and surgical technique along with optimal management of the soft tissues. Different periodontal phenotypes and different defect anatomies require specific regenerative strategies. Advances in the application of minimally invasive surgery has greatly improved the clinical ability to obtain high quality outcomes with reduced patient discomfort. This program will address the application of advanced regenerative procedures to intrabony and furcation defects to increase the probability for tooth retention during a long-term follow-up period

Dental implants are a known and predictable treatment option for missing teeth, where most patients today desire this therapy. However, our patients often lack adequate bone and soft tissue to facilitate ideal implant placement, which can compromise long-term function and esthetics. In recent years, increasing evidence is available outlining the importance of systemic health and environmental factors on hard and soft tissue regeneration, as well as implant survival and success. These patient factors pose difficulties for clinicians, especially as patients are becoming more demanding for immediate implant placement, immediate restoration delivery, and simultaneous grafting and implant procedures. How do clinicians manage the challenge of meeting patient demands as our patients themselves become more medically compromised? Can we deny surgical procedures to patients who smoke or take medications that are known to inhibit wound healing? We must ensure that patients are first optimized before undergoing complex regenerative procedures and make them aware of relevant systemic and environmental conditions that may prevent predictable outcomes. This presentation will update the practicing clinician on achieving successful regenerative outcomes, while avoiding and managing complications in compromised patients.