The dental literature regarding implant therapy for periodontally challenged patients has focused on the comparative implant success rates for these patients versus the rates for their periodontally healthy cohorts. This presentation will take a more pragmatic approach and examine two issues that may carry greater significance for prosthetic outcomes: (1) How do implant-supported prostheses compare to conventional modes of treatment for these patients, and (2) how can proper implant and restorative planning and well-executed restorations for periodontally compromised patients minimize complications and mitigate potential barriers to prosthetic longevity? Long-term data and clinical examples will illustrate how to design implant-supported prostheses for optimum results by “avoidance of heroic measures,” which have unpredictable results; by accurate assessment of remaining teeth as predictable support mechanisms; and by a determination of appropriate implant numbers and distribution.

George Priest, DMD, maintains a full-time practice in Atlanta, Georgia. He has lectured extensively, nationally and internationally, on implant dentistry, advanced restorative dentistry, tooth-colored restorations, and esthetic excellence. As a leader in the fields of esthetic and implant dentistry, he is recognized as an innovator in the specialty of prosthodontics and has contributed his research to many dental journals. Dr Priest is a fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists and a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics.

Approximate Running Time: 60 minutes