Decision Making for Soft and Hard Tissue Augmentation in Surgically Facilitated Orthodontics.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this article is to present a decision-making algorithm for soft and hard tissue augmentation in surgically facilitated orthodontics (SFOT). FOCUSED CLINICAL QUESTION: What type of hard and soft tissue augmentation is recommended in surgically facilitated orthodontics (SFOT)? SUMMARY: In cases where there is adequate hard and soft tissue envelope, selective corticotomies may be adequate. In cases where the existing hard and soft tissue anatomy is inadequate, hard and soft tissue augmentation is recommended. Also, hard and soft tissue augmentation is recommended to avoid teeth extractions during orthodontics. CONCLUSION: This decision-making process allows the clinician to select between hard and soft tissue augmentation protocols based on projected tooth movement as well as existing soft and hard tissue architecture in SFOT cases.

The ABC Protocol in the Esthetic Zone: A Comprehensive Surgical and Prosthetic Approach.

The purpose of this article is to present a surgical and restorative protocol for the replacement of missing teeth in the esthetic zone. The ABC protocol consists of digitally guided implantation, autogenous bone graft (A), followed by bovine bone xenograft (B) and connective tissue graft (C). Autogenous bone is placed in contact with the implant surface to induce osseointegration; bovine bone xenograft is then applied to augment the ridge dimension and provide long-term stability. Connective tissue is used to provide additional volume. The ABC biomaterial sequence offers favorable hard and soft tissue dimensions and immediate provisional restoration predictably leads to an esthetically pleasing definitive prosthesis.