Treatment planning for teeth and dental implants is both an art and a science. If not, every opinion that a patient seeks would be the same. In this age of evidence based medicine and dentistry, it is important to understand and interpret the knowledge available. We could then offer and provide treatment with the best possible prognosis.

Dental implants have been available and in use for the past 20 years. Initially they were only used for full arch cases, primarily for the edentulous mandible. Today, they are routinely used to treat partial edentulism. Conventional dentistry and periodontal therapy are also alive and well. The purpose of today’s program is to discuss when to choose implant dentistry as the treatment of choice. When should we rely on teeth and when do we “pull the plug”? This topic is of importance to everyone in the dental office who is involved in the clinical care of a patient, including the doctor, hygienist, assistant and treatment coordinator.

Topics will include the following:

1. Goals of Treatment

2. Treat or maintain a tooth, or extract

3. Replacing a tooth or teeth: conventional dentistry or implant dentistry?

4. If replacing with an implant(s), concepts to maximize the success of the restoration

5. Treatment planning, surgical and post-restorative complications and failures;
how to avoid and how to treat

6. Periodontal vs. peri-implant tissues in health and disease

7. Cosmetic considerations, including soft and hard tissue grafting

8. The restorative dentist-surgical specialist team approach

9. Case reviews, including “teeth in a day” immediate load cases, locator attachments.

A hands-on portion will allow the attendees to observe and feel various abutment and attachment options, as well as representative final cases.

The Greater Long Island Dental Meeting wishes to express appreciation to Nu-Life Long Island for their generous support of this seminar.

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