Prof. Yong Hur
Modern Flap Designs for Successful Vertical GBR
Although it has been a while since prosthetically driven implant treatment has been considered standard of care, horizontal and vertical ridge augmentation is often required to place implants in a correct three-dimensional position.
While horizontal ridge augmentation is a predictable treatment, vertical ridge augmentation is highly technique-sensitive and still considered a challenging procedure. The guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique is frequently used for vertical ridge augmentation with a Titanium-reinforced non-resorbable membrane or titanium mesh.
Premature membrane exposure after GBR procedures may result in complications, such as inadequate bone regeneration, inflammatory reactions, and wound infection. To prevent these complications, tension-free primary closure is a prerequisite. Therefore, selecting an adequate flap design is a critical factor for the success of a GBR procedure.
However, there is sparse information in the current literature that reviews modern incision-flap designs to advance the flap to enhance tension-free primary closure for ridge augmentation. This presentation aims to present better incision-flap designs that provide tension-free primary closure when creating space for guided bone regeneration. Dr. Hur will show clinical cases to demonstrate Double-flap Incision (DFI) and Modified Periosteal Releasing Incision (MPRI) in extensive vertical and horizontal ridge augmentation in the posterior of the mandible near the mental foramen. Clinical considerations, such as the anatomic difficulty of the region and the basic concept of an ideal incision, will also be discussed.
Dr. Hur is an Associate Professor of Periodontology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology/Dental Implant Surgery and a recipient of the fellowship award sponsored by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation.
Dr. Hur is particularly active in the clinical research of guided bone regeneration and practices in Boston. He served as a principal investigator (PI) / co-investigator (Co-I) for more than 30 projects related to periodontology and dental implants.
Dr. Hur is a member and peer-reviewer for the two leading publications of the American Academy of Periodontology: Journal of Periodontology and Clinical Advances in Periodontics. He is the president of the Massachusetts Periodontal Society (MPS), with more than 500 periodontists.