Alveolar ridge augmentation – from simple cases to complex situations

Edentulism is an important public health issue, presenting a strong negative impact on the patients’ quality of life, expressed by the loss of functional abilities, as mastication and phonation, as well as nutritional, aesthetic and psychological losses, with direct influence in the reduction of self-esteem and social integration. Treatment with implants as well as augmentation techniques have made it possible for the dentist to carry out multiple rehabilitation of the patient and not just the replacement of a missing tooth. This complete regeneration determines the way in which we will place the implants and which reconstructive technique we will use. In the lecture, we will analyze the principles for successful augmentation and implantation and the errors that occur when these principles are not taken into consideration. A deficient alveolar ridge can be reestablished via different bone augmentation procedures. Whether via guided tissue regeneration (GTR) principles, autogenous bone block transplantation, or any other innovative techniques, these surgical modalities show stable peri-implant osseous housing as the original native bone. Bone augmentation procedures should be based on meticulous surgical protocol, establishing biomaterial stability, managing careful soft tissue coverage, and understanding the wound healing cascades. The lecture will show the application of different augmentation materials, different techniques, as well as the application of their combinations in practice.

PROGRAM
09:00 – 10:30 Why do we really need alveolar ridge augmentation?
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 – 12:30 Management of the resorbed alveolar ridge: From simple to complex situations
12:30 – 01:30 Lunch break
01:30 – 03:00 Workshop: Soft tissue and bone augmentation – when and how to combine them

WORKSHOP
Soft tissue and bone augmentation – when and how to combine them
During the work on the models, the participants will be able to get acquainted with different materials, their application, and ways to ensure the best possible clinical result. Both bone and soft tissue augmentation techniques and possible manipulation of these materials will be presented.