Course Description

Gingival recession is accompanied by alveolar bone dehiscence. Treatment of gingival recession has usually entailed soft-tissue augmentation. However, a more comprehensive approach may be adopted to mitigate as many risk factors as possible. The concept presented in this course entails phenotype modification therapy (PMT) to increase mucosal and alveolar bone thickness, optimizing root positions with clear aligner orthodontic therapy (CAT) and periodontal root coverage. Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) has many surgical and biological advantages in this regenerative approach. The concept of VISTA is very well-aligned with plastic surgical principles, offering many advantages, including (1) ease of release of tissues for tension-free mobilization of mucosa to be repositioned, (2) access for placement of a variety of bone and tissue graft material directly over deficient sites, (3) avoidance of the need for papilla incision, and (4) stabilization of tissues with bonded sutures for effective regeneration. In addition, there are biologic advantages, such as preservation of the blood supply and enhanced healing. VISTA has a variety of applications in periodontal root coverage, peri-implant mucosal dehiscence coverage, periodontal/peri-implant regeneration, contour augmentation and phenotype modification therapy. The scientific basis for all of the concepts will be presented. This course will offer practical technical and clinical experience with advanced applications of VISTA for periodontal and peri-implant soft tissue reconstruction.