At the time of the original osseointegration conference in Toronto in 1982, the major emphasis of implant therapy was the rescue of edentulous patients who could not wear complete-denture prostheses with any degree of comfort. Although most edentulism in the mandible could be treated without bone grafting, many maxillary ridges required autologous grafts harvested from remote sites. Partial edentulism and anterior cosmetics were not a major priority. This presentation will discuss the variety of both soft and hard tissue procedures that have been developed to regenerate lost soft tissue and bone without harvesting from a remote site. These techniques have increased patients’ acceptance of implants and their cosmetic expectations to a new level. Special emphasis will be directed to the regeneration of horizontal and vertical bone and the long-term stability of the results after occlusal loading.

Burton Langer, DMD, MSD, is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He was one of the first periodontists trained in osseointegration by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark in 1983. Dr Langer has lectured extensively throughout the world and has written more than 30 articles. He is the 1997 recipient of the American Academy of Periodontology Master Clinician Award.

Approximate Running Time: 60 minutes