Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Course

This course provides hands-on training in surgical techniques for augmenting free gingival and connective tissue grafts to enhance peri-implant soft tissue health. Participants will also learn both surgical and non-surgical strategies for treating ailing and failing dental implants, including grafting techniques, implant surface decontamination, and rescue therapies, supported by clinical case studies.

In-Person Course: July 16, 2026 in Lake Nona - Orlando, FL

Presented by Professor Dr. Stephen Caldwell

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Understand the Clinical Importance of Keratinized Gingiva: Gain an understanding of how keratinized gingiva contributes to the long-term stability and maintenance of dental implants
2. Recognize Soft Tissue Biotypes and Their Impact on Treatment Outcomes: Learn to identify different soft tissue biotypes and understand their significance in treatment planning and peri-implant health
3. Free Gingival Graft Techniques: Develop proficiency in performing free gingival grafts using both autograft and allograft materials to augment keratinized gingiva around implants
4. Perform Connective Tissue Grafts for Enhanced Soft Tissue Volume: Acquire the skills to execute connective tissue grafts, applying them in cases requiring tissue thickening, root coverage, or more aggressive soft tissue augmentation
5. Implement Soft Tissue Augmentation for Implant Health and Stability: Learn how to use soft tissue grafting to improve implant health, ensure stability, and enhance aesthetic outcomes in dental implant procedures
6. Diagnose and Treat Peri-Implant Mucositis and Peri-Implantitis: Understand how to diagnose peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, and apply appropriate surgical and non-surgical treatment options
7. Utilize Bone Grafting Techniques for Implant Rescue Therapy: Explore the use of bone grafts and membranes in combination with soft tissue grafting to treat ailing or failing implants through regenerative approaches
8. Implant Surface Decontamination Protocols: Learn effective decontamination techniques for treating peri-implantitis, including the use of specialized products and procedures during open flap surgery

In-Person/Hands-On Topics (8 hours):

1. Introduction to Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Health
2. Keratinized Gingiva: Importance and Clinical Implications
3. Soft Tissue Biotypes and Their Impact on Implant Success
4. Free Gingival Grafts: Indications and Techniques
5. Connective Tissue Grafts for Tissue Augmentation
6. Surgical Protocols for Tissue Grafting Around Implants
7. Post-Operative Care for Soft Tissue Grafting Procedures
8. Peri-Implant Mucositis: Diagnosis and Treatment
9. Peri-Implantitis: Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options
10. Bone Grafting and Membranes for Peri-Implant Regeneration
11. Implant Surface Decontamination in Peri-Implantitis Therapy
12. Management of Ailing and Failing Implants
13. Complications in Soft Tissue Grafting: Prevention and Management
14. Patient Communication and Education for Soft Tissue Procedures