This presentation will describe the successes and failures of this important therapy that has impacted our entire specialty and changed forever how we practice periodontics. It will examine the validity of currently held dogmas in light of the clinical reality of over 46,000 implants placed by two clinicians in private practice who had the good fortune to be trained by Per Ingvar Branemark in 1983 and have carefully documented the results up to the present.  Immediate implant placement, the ingredients necessary for superior esthetics, and methods to condense treatment time will be discussed.

Successful periodontal practice involves proactive planning. Implants are not a panacea, but when does one make the determination that the natural dentition is terminal? Two esteemed clinicians will present different options. Maintaining and treating the Stage IV dentition will have varying parameters. Transition strategies require extensive planning. This course will help the clinician determine when, what, where, and how to keep versus extract and place (or not) dental implants

Minimizing tissue loss following immediate tooth replacement has been challenging. Various hard and soft tissue grafting techniques have been used to minimize tissue loss with various successes. An innovative but controversial treatment concept called socket shield (leaving a piece of root fragment after tooth extraction) has been advocated to maintain implant soft and hard tissue. Since then, there have been numerous heated debates about the viability of this treatment. These two world renown teachers and clinicians will share their knowledge and experience of both the positive and potential negative aspects of this treatment modality.

The format will be a point-counterpoint discussion after each of the speakers present their latest data and treatment modifications.

Composite defects are a result of the loss of hard and soft tissue associated with tooth loss. The reconstruction of composite defects can be challenging and unpredictable, which is especially critical in the esthetic zone. This presentation will discuss the diagnosis and treatment planning of hard and soft tissue reconstruction in the esthetic zone of the partially edentulous patient in preparation for implant retained restorations.  Evidence based surgical and prosthetic techniques will be discussed, including various bone and soft tissue graft materials, barrier membranes, and prosthetic options to address the challenges and limitations involved when treating such defects.