The Sealing Socket Abutment Technique for Immediate Implants 

Abstract: 

This second episode of the hands-on workshop series focuses on the fabrication of sealing socket abutments (SSA) for immediately placed single implants. When an implant is placed at the time of extraction, the peri-implant gap between the implant and the socket walls must be effectively managed to preserve existing soft tissue architecture and prevent peri-implant tissue collapse during healing.  The SSA serves to seal this gap at the crestal level, guide soft tissue adaptation, and establish conditions for biologic width formation. Various methods for preparation of SSA will be introduced. Through step-by-step exercises on models, participants will learn how to properly fabricate, shape and contour SSA chairside, gaining confidence in creating abutments that support predictable peri-implant tissue healing. 

This workshop is designed for beginners seeking a systematic, reproducible protocol that delivers predictable soft tissue outcomes.

Learning Objective:

1. Apply case selection criteria and understand principles and biological rationale for the immediate sealing socket abutment technique. 

2. Learn chairside fabrication and contouring of sealing socket abutments for emergence profile development. 

3. Identify key design features that promote ideal biologic width establishment and soft tissue outcomes.

Speakers:

Prof. Fok Melissa Rachel
Clinical Assistant Professor  in Periodontology & Imlant Dentistry 
BSc, BDS, MDS (Perio), PhD, M Perio (RCSEd), M(Perio) RCPS(Glasg), FHKAM (Dental Surgery), FCDSHK (Periodontology), ITI Fellow, FHEA

Melissa Rachel, FOK is a Clinical assistant professor in the Division of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry and a specialist in Periodontology. She holds multiple roles, including Deputy Director of the Institute for Advanced Dentistry Clinical Research Centre, Assistant Dean in Global Engagement and Development, and the Co-director of the European Federation of Periodontology accredited Periodontology Postgraduate Program in the Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong. She obtained BDS and MDS in Periodontology with honours and distinction from HKU in 2014 and 2018, respectively. In 2019, she attained memberships in Periodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong. She was awarded a fellowship in the specialty of Periodontology by the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong and admitted as fellow in the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine in 2023. She received multiple accolades throughout her academic career, including the Mary Sun Medical Scholarship, GlaxoSmithKline Prize in Periodontology, Hong Kong University Alumni Prizes, and the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong Scholarship, among others. She was later granted the Hui Pun Hing Memorial Postgraduate Fellowship to pursue a doctoral programme in HKU and completed in 2024.  Driven by a passion for education, Melissa actively contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate periodontal and implant curricula. As a fledging clinical researcher with a keen interest in periodontal and implant research, she is currently directing multi-national clinical trials. She possesses a good publication record and has been serving as editorial board member and guest reviewer for leading periodontal and implant dentistry journals.

Dr. Wong Hok Ling, Janet
BDS(HK), MGD(CDSHK), MRACDS, MDS(Perio) (HK), M Perio RCSEd, FCDSHK(Periodontology), FHKAM(Dental Surgery)

Dr. Wong earned her BDS degrees from HKU in 2005. After a few years of private practice, she joined the Government Dental Service for 15 years. During this period, she finished her MDS degree and higher training in Periodontology in 2018 and 2022 respectively. Dr. Wong is currently working in the private sector and as part-time teacher for the University of Hong Kong.

Dr. Tse Ming Nga, Judy 
BDS(HK), MDS (Perio)(HK), M Perio RCSEd, FHKAM (Dental Surgery), FCDSHK(Periodontology)

She received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontology from the University of Hong Kong. She is a Member in Periodontology of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and holds Fellowships from the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine as well as the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong in the specialty of Periodontology.

Dr. Tse serves as a Part-time Senior Clinical Practitioner at the University of Hong Kong, where she contributes to the teaching and training of postgraduate students in the master programme of Periodontology. She practices in a periodontist clinic in Hong Kong, focusing on the management of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, periodontal plastic surgery and dental implants rehabilitation.

Course Information: