Dental research emphasises the necessity of a minimum of 2 mm bone volume around implants to ensure their stability. Moreover, evidence suggests that thicker soft tissue around implants results in reduced bone loss and less gingival recession. Therefore, the webinar will show a variety of techniques to augment ridges, to graft extraction sites and to develop thicker peri-implant tissue environments.

“Clinicians need to understand their goals and what determines enough tissue, hard or soft. Once this is done, we can review procedures that take us towards these goals. This includes grafting techniques with traditional and paradigm-shifting cross-linked composite collagen matrices such as OSSIX Bone [Dentsply Sirona]. In addition, I will review a buffet of choices for soft-tissue augmentation,” explained webinar presenter Dr David Barack.

“Cross-linked composite collagen matrices are highly biocompatible, long-lasting scaffoldings that promote the development of highly natural tissue,” said Dr Barack. “The greatest advantage is the absence of residual grafting materials that compromise the quality of the peri-implant tissue and render the tissue more vulnerable to peri-implant disease,” he added.

When asked what dental professionals need to consider when evaluating their clinical results and what is important when it comes to maintaining augmented implant sites, Dr Barack replied: “That is truly a great and relevant question. Clinicians need to understand that different bone grafting materials heal differently and appear differently on radiographic imaging. Non-mineralised materials such as collagen scaffolds and demineralised freeze-dried bone allografts appear dark when placed and become increasingly radiopaque as they ossify over time.” “In contrast, high-density materials such as demineralised bovine bone material will appear brighter at first but follow a different progression,” he explained and emphasised that long-term, regular radiographic monitoring of grafted sites is a must.

“Clinical assessment of peri-implant tissue is a critical continuing process. For all tissue, proper plaque control is the oldest but most important method to protect teeth, and this is no less true for implants. I am an enormous fan of water flossing, which has been shown to reach deeper and effectively around some complicated anatomy around implants,” Dr Barack said.

According to him, the webinar is perfect for general practitioners who perform implant surgery. “My webinar is a comprehensive review that will give clinicians an understanding about the present concepts that promote peri-implant aesthetics and long-term health. I always learn from discussions like these, especially when newer concepts are introduced,” he emphasised.

The webinar, titled “Advanced techniques in peri-implant tissue augmentation and maintenance”, will be livestreamed on 24 April at 7:00 p.m. CEST, and participants can earn one continuing education credit upon completion. Visit the Dentsply Sirona Academy website to register.

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