Crestal bone loss around endosseous dental implants is a normal consequence of implant therapy involving two-stage implants. Investigations demonstrated that crestal bone loss typically occurs approximately 2 mm apical to the implant-abutment junction, with an associated inflammatory cell infiltrate. This presentation focuses on the clinical rationale for preservation of crestal bone in various clinical situations such as in areas where there is limited bone height, in the anterior esthetic zone, and in areas where simultaneous hard and soft tissue grafts are necessary to optimize the outcome of implant therapy.

Tiziano Testori, MD, DDS, is the head of the Division of Implant Dentistry and Oral Rehabilitation for the Galeazzi Institute at the University of Milan, Italy. He is an active member and lecturer for the Academy of Osseointegration, the president-elect of the Italian Society of Oral Surgery, a member of the editorial board for two journals, and a referee for the national committee for continuing education programs on oral surgery and implant dentistry. Dr Testori has written over 100 scientific and clinical articles for professional journals.