Soft Tissue Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Novel Method for the Measurement of Gingival Tissue and the Dimensions of the Dentogingival Unit
The purpose of the present study was to develop a soft tissue cone-beam computed tomography (ST-CBCT) to improve soft tissue image quality and allow the determination of the dimensions and relationships of the structures of the dentogingival unit. Two separate CBCT scans were obtained from three patients with different periodontal biotypes. The first was a scan following standard methods; however, for the ST-CBCT the patients wore a plastic lip retractor and retracted their tongues toward the floor of their mouths.

A Review of Dental Suturing for Optimal Soft-Tissue Management
Establishing nontension primary wound closure of various softtissue flaps is paramount for optimal postsurgical wound healing. Surgical procedures that require clinical flap manipulation such as those used with traditional periodontal therapy, periodontal plastic cosmetic surgery, hard- and soft-tissue regeneration, and the excision of pathologic tissue also require excellence in execution and thorough understanding of the various techniques of surgery, suturing, and the materials currently available to…

Buccal Sliding Palatal Pedicle Flap Technique for Wound Closure After Ridge Augmentation
One standard approach for wound closure after ridge augmentation is coronal flap advancement. Coronal flap advancement results in displacement of the mucogingival junction and reduction of the vestibulum. In the maxilla, a buccal sliding palatal flap can be applied for primary wound closure after ridge augmentation. The dissected part of the palatal connective tissue is left exposed, thus eliminating or reducing the amount of the coronal flap advancement respectively and increasing the amount of keratinized gingiva. In combination with guided soft tissue augmentation, this flap design enables a three-dimensional peri-implant soft tissue augmentation.

The “VISTA” Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access Technique for Treatment of Multiple Anterior Recession Defects
In this clinical video, the “VISTA” Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access Technique is displayed in the treatment of multiple anterior recession defects on previously restored teeth. Debridement, root conditioning, incisions, ACDM placement, instrumentation and suturing are highlighted as well as two week postop results.

Immediate Implant Provisionalization: A Critical Aspect in Tissue Care and Esthetics-Part 2
A step-by-step protocol will be presented in how to fabricate the proper screw-retained provisional restoration from the fabrication of the acrylic shell to managing and capturing the proper supportive subgingival contour.

Fibrin Assisted Soft Tissue Promotion (FASTP) - A New Perspective in Periodontal Plastic Surgery
Soft tissue recession around teeth and implants is an epidemic problem in the field of dentistry. A predictable and long-term soft tissue augmentation outcome is primarily dependent on proper diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning. Harvesting limitations of autogenous tissue from the palate represent a true challenge when treating patients with multiple recessions or gingival deformities around teeth and dental implants. The Advanced Platelet Rich Fibrin (APRF) and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (iPRF) are promising tissue promoters that can be a suitable alternative option.

The Evolving Role of Soft Tissue Enhancement in Esthetic Reconstructive Dentistry
Soft tissue grafting techniques, new regenerative materials and bioactivators will be highlighted. The expanding role of allograft materials (Perioderm), platelet rich in growth factors (PRGF, PRF), and when to utilize them will be suggested. The ability of these combined protocols to alter the soft tissue profile around natural teeth, implants, and dentulous ridges, will be reviewed as to its critical role in "Complete Esthetics".

Is There One or More Reasons to Optimize the PRF & PRP Protocols? Future Trends in Dentistry, Orthopedics and Facial Aesthetics
The “Advanced” PRF (A-PRF) and “Injectable” PRF (I-PRF) protocols were designed with this new concept. Indications are numerous in all medical fields where we need regeneration: bone, cartilage, skin etc... However, the use of growth factors is not a guarantee of long term stability, as they are active only at the beginning of the process. Numerous rules of tissue engineering have to be applied to maintain the regenerated bone through an adequate blood supply: this lecture is an enlightenment on the biological and mechanical conditions for long term stability of the bone: “grafted bone” or “bone around implants”.

Combination Therapies in the Esthetic Zone: Steps for Success
This presentation will cover the critical aspects to consider for deciding the sequence and implementation of combination therapies. Successful esthetic zone treatment must begin with a well thought-out space management plan. This plan involves a three dimensional adjustment of the periodontal attachment, with a possibility of root submergence and partial extraction technique. Following this, a decision is made concerning the timing and position of implant placement, and an adequate hard tissue foundation can be restored using GBR with titanium mesh and collagen membrane. On top of this base a more efficient soft tissue augmentation and adjustment completes the requirements for success in the esthetic zone.