23AAP-GS3: Esthetic Hard and Soft Tissue Limitations: Surgical vs. Prosthetic Reality

Speakers: Oded Bahat, Edmond Bedrossian, and Peter Wohrle

Composite defects are a result of the loss of hard and soft tissue associated with tooth loss. The reconstruction of composite defects can be challenging and unpredictable, which is especially critical in the esthetic zone. This presentation will discuss the diagnosis and treatment planning of hard and soft tissue reconstruction in the esthetic zone of the partially edentulous patient in preparation for implant retained restorations.  Evidence based surgical and prosthetic techniques will be discussed, including various bone and soft tissue graft materials, barrier membranes, and prosthetic options to address the challenges and limitations involved when treating such defects.

Educational Objectives
• Gain an understanding of the pre-prosthetic and pre-surgical factors that influence the success of composite defect reconstruction.
• Be able to plan and perform a composite defect reconstruction using evidence-based techniques.
• Pre-surgically understand when surgical procedures will be inadequate to reconstruct a composite defect and when prosthetic solutions will be necessary.