A unique understanding of wound healing, bone biology, and biomechanics is necessary to achieve superior outcomes with traditional or accelerated treatment protocols. The two most common complications encountered with these newer protocols are implant failure and infection. The author will present a series of recommendations for reducing the frequency of these complications. The lecture will include site preparation protocols to control infection, improve primary stability, and increase placement torque. The pros and cons of high torque as it relates to osseous pressure necrosis will also be explored.

Alan S. Meltzer, DMD, MScD, is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a fellow of the Academy of Osseointegration. He also has served as the director of Graduate Periodontology at Temple University Dental School. Dr Meltzer lectures both nationally and internationally on the subjects of implant design, periodontal regeneration, guided bone regeneration, and surgical site preparation for complex implant placement. He has published numerous articles on the subjects of site preparation for osseointegrated implants, esthetic placement of dental implants, and early and immediate loading. He is also the author of a book chapter on implants and bone repair as well as the co-author of a textbook on periodontal regeneration. Dr Meltzer is a member of the Academy of Osseointegration and serves on its research and education committees. He is a past president of the Delaware Valley Academy of Osseointegration.