Tomasz Kaczynski, DDS, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Successful full-arch restorations depend not only on prosthetic precision and osseointegration, but also on the establishment and long-term stability of healthy per-implant soft tissues. This lecture focuses on achieving predictable soft-tissue outcomes in full-arch rehabilitation through strategic surgical techniques and appropriate case selection. Key indication and protocols for soft-tissue augmentation will be presented, including the use of free gingival grafts (FGG), connective tissue grafts (CTG), apically positioned flap (APF) and the vascularized interpositional periosteal connective tissue flap (VIP-CT). The lecture also will address the timing and sequencing of soft-tissue procedures relative to implant placement and prosthetic loading, with clinical cases demonstrating the impact on long-term outcomes. Additionally, strategies for complication prevention and management will be discussed. By the end of this session, participants will have a structured framework for soft-tissue decision-making in full-arch cases and practical tools to enhance predictability and patient satisfaction.
There will be a refreshment break from 2:30 - 3 p.m.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
Recognize the indication and selection criteria for soft-tissue augmentation techniques in full-arch restorations.
Discuss step-by-step surgical protocols for achieving predictable soft-tissue outcomes and optimizing peri-implant health esthetics.
Identify, prevent and manage soft-tissue complications.
