Strategies to optimize esthetics around dental implants in the deficient ridge
Many techniques and augmentation materials have been described for augmentation of defects in the esthetic zone. While many techniques offer excellent results in some situations few can be said to guarantee success. This is especially true in the esthetic zone, where a successful augmentation that fails to achieve ideal 3-dimensional bone height will stil guarantee the use of prosthetic compensation with gingival color ceramic. Many questions remain on which methods yield the most predictable results for dental implant placement in grafted bone.
- To critically evaluate the current evidence to determine the predictability of various bone augmentation techniques for horizontal and vertical ridge defects for implant placement.
- Various factors and procedures related to enhancement of peri-implant esthetics will be discussed.
Dr. Bach Le completed his specialty training in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University and is currently Clinical Associate Professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC. Dr. Le has authored over 14 chapters in textbooks on bone regeneration and dental implants and has published extensively in peer-review journals. He has been an invited speaker at numerous organizations including the AAOMS, Academy of Osseointegration, Academy of Prosthodontics, American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American College of Prosthodontists, Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontists, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Le was inducted as an Honorary Member of the American College of Prosthodontists and is a recipient of the Charles E. English Award in Clinical Science. He is a Diplomate of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and holds Fellowship in the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the International Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.
