When to Remove or Remediate Implants in the Esthetic Zone: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Predictable Treatment

As the decision to save or remove an ailing implant is multifactorial, it has become one of the more controversial topics in the field of dental implantology. While bone lost to peri-implant disease is now being augmented with increasing predictability, the degree of success is still variable depending on the size and configuration of the osseous defect. At the same time, with the development of improved high reverse torque instruments, minimally invasive techniques can be utilized to easily remove an implant that is misaligned causing an esthetic problem or is showing advanced bone loss. Any eventual decision regarding the retention or removal of an ailing implant must also be balanced with the desires of the patient, who has already invested a significant amount of time and finances to initially place and restore the implant.

This presentation will present the variables involved in the decision-making process and clinical criteria of when to save or remove an ailing implant.

In addition, if a decision is made to save an implant but has been placed too far facially with midfacial recession, treatment strategies in remediation from a surgical and restorative standpoint will be presented in a logical way.

1. Understand the criteria of when to save implants in the esthetic zone.
2. What is required to remediate implants from the surgical side.
3. What is required to remediate implants from the restorative/prosthetic side.

Presenters

Stephen Chu, DDS, MS, PhD

Stephen J. Chu is a Former Adjunct Clinical Professor at New York University College of Dentistry in the departments of periodontology, implant dentistry, and prosthodontics as well as the former director of the advanced [program in esthetic dentistry. He maintains a private practice in fixed prosthodontics, esthetic, and implant dentistry in New York City.

Dr. Chu has contributed over 100 publications including 8 textbooks in the dental literature.

Dr. Chu serves as the Associate Editor of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry.

Dennis Tarnow, DDS

Dr. Dennis Tarnow is currently Clinical Professor of Periodontology and Director of Implant Education at Columbia School of Dental Medicine. He is the former Professor and Chairman of the Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Tarnow has a certificate in Periodontics and Prosthodontics and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He is a recipient of the Master Clinician Award from the American Academy of Periodontology, Teacher of the Year Award from New York University and Distinguished Lecturer Award from the American College of Prosthodontists in 2015, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

Dr. Tarnow has a private multispecialty interdisciplinary practice in New York City and has been honored with a wing named after him at New York University College of Dentistry. He has published over 250 articles on perio-prosthodontics and implant dentistry and has co-authored four textbooks including The Single Tooth Implant. Dr. Tarnow has lectured extensively in the United States and internationally in over forty-five countries.