Managing patient demands for highly esthetic and functional periodontal reconstructive outcomes is a major chal¬lenge. The anterior esthetic zone is a particularly important area for the delivery of highly predictable regenerative therapies. Optimized existing and emerging surgical techniques such as guided tissue regeneration (GTR), periodontal tissue engineering by means of growth factors, and modified and simplified papilla preservation techniques offer innovative solutions to address high-level patient esthetic requirements. This presentation will highlight reconstructive approaches and discuss the importance of careful presurgical treatment planning necessary to avoid postoperative esthetic failures. Emphasis will be given to the importance of the multidisciplinary approach, including periodontal, prosthetic, orthodontic, and surgical parameters. The presentation will conclude with a demonstration of key elements of surgical techniques including flap design, suturing techniques, and wound management critical for enhancing periodontal wound repair and maximizing esthetic outcomes.

Giulio Rasperini, DDS, is assistant professor in the Department of Periodontology and in the School of Oral Hygiene and a lecturer on oral surgery and implantology at the University of Milan as well as a lecturer in periodontology at the University of La Sapienza, Rome. He holds a specialist certificate in orthodontics. Dr Rasperini has lectured in Europe and the United States on topics in periodontics and implant dentistry. He has written or co-authored over 150 articles on peri¬odontics, esthetics, and implant dentistry, contributed to numerous textbooks, and currently serves on the editorial board for two dental journals.

© 2007