Dental CE Course: Restoration-Directed Implant Dentistry I

The primary goal of implant therapy is the creation of a restoration, which reconstructs the form, function, and esthetics of edentulous spans. Achieving this goal in the partially edentulous patient can be especially challenging when the edentulous span or potential "restorative site" is not in harmony with the adjacent dentition, and/or the "esthetic zone." Such deficiencies in the restorative site often require that orthodontic therapy be included as an integral component in a multidisciplinary treatment protocol which aims at the 3-dimensional reconstruction of the site prior to implant placement. Orthodontic tooth movement can be synergistically combined with periodontal plastic surgical techniques, guided bone regeneration, and osseous grafts to effectively establish the optimal foundation for functional and esthetic implant restorations. In addition, implant surfaces and thread designs have led to shorter treatment times with early- or immediate-loading in select case types. Implant systems which offer the restorative dentist the advantages of limited inventory, costs and efficiency will be highlighted. This multimedia presentation involving photographs, intraoral images, computer graphics and real-time video will highlight the benefits of such an interdisciplinary approach. Team oriented treatment planning and sequencing of therapy will be discussed.