[NOTE]

The workshop registration is restricted to individuals who have officially registered for the Perio Implant ITI Summit 2025.

The Bernese Concept in Plastic Esthetic Periodontal and Peri-Implant Surgery

Abstract: 

Predictable coverage of single and multiple adjacent gingival recessions—particularly in the mandibular region—remains a clinical challenge. Various factors, such as tooth anatomy and position, recession depth and width, the presence or absence of supporting bone, and soft tissue thickness, may limit soft tissue management and compromise treatment outcomes.

Extensive evidence supports the use of the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT), the more recently described Laterally Closed Tunnel (LCT), and the combined MCAT + LCT technique for achieving predictable and stable long-term results. Recently, these techniques have also shown success in the treatment of mucosal recessions around dental implants.

 Although palatal soft tissue grafts remain the "gold standard" for soft tissue augmentation, harvesting autogenous tissue is often associated with increased patient morbidity, extended surgical time, and potential postoperative complications such as bleeding, numbness, and sensory disturbances in the donor area. Additionally, anatomical limitations such as palatal tissue thickness, palatal recessions, and the proximity of the palatal artery can restrict graft harvesting.

To address these challenges, xenogeneic soft tissue replacement grafts have been developed as alternatives to reduce or eliminate the need for autogenous grafts.

Learning Objective:

1. To provide the biological rationale and treatment philosophy behind the use of MCAT, LCT, and the combined MCAT + LCT techniques for soft tissue reconstruction around teeth and dental implants.
2. To discuss key considerations for preventing soft tissue complications in implant-related treatment planning, emphasizing the importance of an adequate width of attached mucosa to maintain or re-establish peri-implant health.
3. To demonstrate, through clinical cases and surgical videos, the step-by-step procedures for MCAT and LCT techniques.
4. To discuss postoperative care, as well as the prevention and management of complications.

Hands-on Training (Pig Jaws):

1. Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT) using connective tissue grafts and soft tissue replacement grafts
2. Combined MCAT + LCT technique
3. Harvesting technique for palatal connective tissue grafts
4. Suturing techniques for palatal donor site closure
5. Suturing techniques for coronal advancement of the tunnel
6. Suturing techniques for graft fixation
7. Suturing techniques for lateral tunnel closure

[NOTE] The workshop registration is restricted to individuals who have officially registered for the Perio Implant ITI Summit 2025.

Speaker(s):

Prof. Anton Sculean
Specialist in Periodontology
D.M.D., M.S., Ph.D.

Course Information: