Evolution of Soft Tissue Grafting as Told by the Masters

Sunday Session, 2:30–5 p.m.

Program Track: Periodontal Plastic/Oral Reconstructive Surgery

Moderators: Joan Otomo-Corgel

Speakers: Burton Langer, Michael K. McGuire, and Preston D. Miller, Jr.

Join this “must-attend” course to see from whence we came, where we are now, and where are we going. Three masters of soft tissue grafting, who developed many of the current soft tissue grafting procedures, will present concept to design and clinical application to precision modifications. They will expound on the development of the subepithelial connective tissue autograft to current modifications. A 30+ year retrospective view of how the Miller Classification of marginal tissue recession has changed will be provided. Also, innovations in “traditional” soft tissue grafting that have been refined and modified to become less invasive and more esthetic will be discussed. A contrast and review of alternatives for autogenous grafts in relation to clinical outcomes, patient based outcomes, root surface attachment, and long-term stability will be reviewed.

Educational Objectives:

• Review the objectives and goals for gingival augmentation.

• Recognize the development of the subepithelial connective tissue graft to current modifications of the original technique to treat severe recession defects.

• Illustrate the changes over 30 years of the Miller Classification, plus clinical application.

• Present the advantages of live-cell devices, growth factors, and biologically-based devices.