Recombinant Human Platelet– Derived Growth Factor: A Systematic Review of Clinical Findings in Oral Regenerative Procedures
The use of recombinant human plateletderived growth factor–BB (rhPDGF) has received Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of periodontal and orthopedic bone defects and dermal wound healing. Many studies have investigated its regenerative potential in a variety of other oral clinical indications. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy, safety, and clinical benefit of recombinant human plateletderived growth factor (rhPDGF) use for alveolar bone and/or soft tissue regeneration. Based on the clinical evidence, rhPDGF is safe and provides clinical benefits when used in combination with bone allografts, xenograft, or β-TCP for the treatment of intrabony and furcation periodontal defects and gingival recession or when used with allografts or xenograft for GBR and ARP.

Soft Tissue Procedures Related to Dental Implant Surgery
Clinicians often encounter an insufficient amount of keratinized soft tissue in the proposed implant site. When this occurs, the question arises: Should the necessary softtissue manipulation be performed before, during, or after placement of the implant? There are three answers or scenarios for this question, according to Lee Silverstein, DDS, associate professor at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

Achieving Predictable Connective Tissue Root Coverage
Gingival recession creates esthetic issues. These issues may be corrected from a restorative perspective by the placement of composite resin or ceramic over the exposed root. But this approach often results in a gingival-incisal length that does not blend esthetically with the adjacent teeth. Often accompanying the gingival recession is a decrease in the band of attached gingiva. The wider the band of attached gingiva, the more stable the long-term result. Therefore, surgical correction of the recession…

Developing White and Pink Esthetics through Reconstructive Surgery
This lecture/video presentation describes the comprehensive treatment of a case in which we needed to reconstruct the hard and the soft tissue after the extraction of a central incisor. The video demonstrates on of several possible surgical procedures for the reconstruction of tissue defects within the esthetic zone. Specifically, a non-resorbable membrane was utilized and combined with a modification of the pedicle connective tissue graft at the same time of the extraction.

Emerging Perspectives in Soft Tissue Augmentation: Evolving Tools, Techniques & Materials
Soft tissue root coverage microsurgery and pontic site enhancement are frequently utilized periodontal plastic surgery techniques to create an ideal restorative frame for teeth, pontics and implants. Tunnel, Semilunar, VISTA etc. are among the new age techniques highlighted in this growing area of periodontal microsurgery. New autologous tissue harvest techniques, Allograft ACDM and Bioactive Modifiers have all changed the way we are capable of managing soft tissue deficiencies and have assisted the clinician in improving the healing qualities of these minimally invasive techniques. This lecture will cover site preparation techniques for conventional dentistry as well as prior to and after implant placement.

Predictability of Root Coverage Procedures: Clinical Scenarios & Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Root coverage (RC) procedures have long been used for the treatment of gingival recession (GR). During daily practice, clinicians are required to deal with diverse clinical scenarios and to provide the most adequate treatment options for each particular condition based on the best evidence available, the clinician’s skills, and the patients’ desires.

Team Work: The Role of the Restorative Dentist in the Multidisciplinary Practice
In this presentation, Drs. Conti and Rossi share their experiences in treating challenging cases from a comprehensive multidisciplinary perspective. Emphasis will be placed as to when and how the restorative dentist enhances overall periodontal and esthetic therapy.

Bone Augmentation & Vascular Enhancement Concepts: It’s Time to Make it Simple!
The purpose of this presentation is to make the participant think biology first and not mechanic first. A biological thinking will dramatically simplify vertical and/or horizontal bone augmentation procedures. We will also be introducing a new approach for the simplification of soft tissue handling: the Soft Brushing Technique, that will allow the coronal advancement of both buccal and lingual flaps, but also the palatal flap without the need for periosteal releasing incisions.

Managing Esthetic Implant Complications
Dental implant success today is judged not only by osseointegration but also by bone, tissue stability and of course long term esthetic results. Cosmetic predictability can often be difficult to attain, and esthetic implant failures can be multifactorial and patient management issues. Once esthetic implant failures occur, many cannot be fully corrected. Some complications must be addressed by an interdisciplinary dental team. In this summary of case reports, surgical considerations are provided, including cases of facial asymmetry/recession due to facial implant placement or bone loss resulting from technique/treatment failures, as well as papillary deficiencies. Restorative considerations for correcting failures are also discussed.