Soft Tissue: Clinical protocols for daily practice

At this interactive workshop you will:
• Work with novel collagen matrices on pig jaws
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of autologous tissue & biomaterials
• Further develop your skills in flap design, soft tissue handling, and suturing
• What suture should you use and when?
• Small group, maximum time with Associate Professor Beretta

This workshop will present surgical protocols associated with peri-implant soft tissue management and periodontal plastic surgery.

Current concepts for augmenting peri-implant soft tissues are based on the use of autologous tissue, most often harvested from the palatal area. Autologous tissue grafts do have several disadvantages and limitations, including:
• Finite availability and variable thickness of the donor tissue according to the anatomic dimensions of the palatal vault.
• Limited graft length and thickness due to anatomy (i.e., a thick alveolar process, exostoses, and the palatine nerves and blood vessels).
• Donor site morbidity (pain and numbness at the donor site).
• Aesthetic compromises.

To overcome these issues, research has focused on the development of suitable soft tissue graft substitutes. At this workshop you will work with a variety of biomaterials that demonstrate favourable biological behaviour, allowing for normal modeling and remodeling processes to occur.
Using collagen matrices allows for gaining width of keratinised tissues and for increasing soft tissue volume.

Hear from Associate Professor Beretta, an industry leader, as he presents an evidence-based workshop utilising the available research data and clinical indications.