Sinus augmentation via elevation surgery is a predictable therapeutic technique to restore the atrophic maxilla and permit implant placement to help restore the dentition. Each surgical step, however, may give rise to complications.

Arthur Wu, MD

Dr. Wu will discuss relevant sinonasal anatomy and the causes and treatment of odontogenic sinusitis via radiographic diagnosis. Certain situations require referral to an otolaryngologist prior to dental intervention. Medical and surgical treatments will be discussed along with their relative success rates.

Tiziano Testori, DDS, MD

Dr. Testori will discuss anatomical limitations which may pose a problem for surgical intervention. He will also make recommendations to treat these complications when they arise.

Paul Fugazzotto, DDS

Dr. Fugazzotto will go over the desired goals of sinus augmentation in different scenarios, which modalities are necessary to have the least impact on the patient, and how to avoid complications. He will also present long-term data to substantiate each treatment.

Takumi Umemura, DDS

Dr. Umemura will concentrate his presentation on repairing sinus membrane perforations during the elevations utilizing different chemicals; platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), autologous fibrin glue (AGF), and the utilization of a microscope which simplifies repair with minimal invasive techniques compared to traditional methods.

Periodontal and implant microsurgery via the assistance of the operating microscope has been gaining significant attention in recent years. Literature has shown improved periodontal regeneration as well as soft tissue reconstruction outcomes. The operating microscope offers high magnification, co-axial illumination, and allows the use of microinstruments and micro-sutures as the main technological advantages. Additionally, many other factors can play a vital role in the success of performing microsurgeries, for example the technical and non-technical factors. This session brings three internationally renowned microsurgeons, who will give us the most updated knowledge on microsurgery and share first-hand experiences in execution of a successful microsurgery.

In the last decade, a growing interest for more friendly, patient-oriented surgery have urged clinical investigators to focus their interest in the development of less invasive approaches. The adoption of Operative Microscopes in Periodontal Surgery helps the application of minimally invasive surgery in periodontal regeneration. This advanced surgical concept reportedly increases the capacity of a precise soft and hard tissues management, reduces invasivity, side effects and surgical chair-time, and, as a consequence, improves the cost benefit ratio for the patient.

Topic 1: “Cellular Bone Allografts as an Alternative to Autogenous Bone”

Topic 2: “Is Autogenous Bone Still the Gold Standard?”

Topic 3: “Recombinant Growth Factor as a Biologic Additive to Bone Grafts”

Considering postoperative wound healing/tissue regeneration as well as patient comfort/burden, flapless procedures can be more ideal and beneficial, compared to flap procedures. This presentation reviews the treatment steps and clinical outcomes of minimally-invasive flapless surgery, using mechanical debridement alone or laser-assisted therapy (Er:YAG laser-assisted comprehensive periodontal pocket therapy: Er-LCPT), and discusses the strengths and shortcomings of flapless surgery.

Perio-plastic surgery is as much about managing the unexpected as it is about achieving optimal esthetic outcomes. This interactive session will explore real-life complications encountered in everyday clinical practice and walk through practical, evidence-based strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and management. The speaker will share cases, lessons learned, and decision-making pearls to help clinicians anticipate challenges, respond effectively, and turn complications into teachable moments.

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.