Course Description

During this lecture, we will question the widespread acceptance of losing marginal bone down to the first implant thread. Over time, bone loss has been attributed to a variety of factors, including an initial adaptation to load, microleakage, biologic width and the microgap at the implant-to-abutment junction. 

In reality, the maintenance of marginal bone is a more complex process than just the accommodation of the connective tissue compartment. Rather, it depends upon creating ideal conditions for bone to attach itself at the top of the implant. Important factors are:

• Surface topography 
• Distribution of functional load through the implant 
• Eradication of unfavorable microbial leakage 
• Adequate space for the connective tissue compartment 
• Enhancement of implant surface properties to maximize bone integration 

This lecture will explain how this multivariate complex can help ensure true long-term maintenance of marginal bone.

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the factors the most influence the maintenance of marginal bone around implants 
• Demonstrate which key features have an impact on hard and soft tissue 
• Recognize the importance of implant surface technology