Ridge Preservation: Setting the stage for implant success
From Extraction to Transformation: A 25-Year Journey
Dr. Ronald Jung, Switzerland – University of Zurich
In a talk that blended clinical insight with personal passion, Prof. Ronald Jung took the audience on a journey from his first esthetic implant case in 2000 to today’s evidence-based protocols. He emphasized that Ridge Preservation isn’t just about managing bone, it’s about protecting patients’ future treatment options and quality of life.
Dr. Jung used compelling long-term cases to illustrate the cost of doing nothing at the time of extraction: more invasive procedures, higher patient stress, and limited options. He underlined the importance of asking one question before every extraction:
“Can I place an implant within the next 0–2 months?”
If the answer is no, Ridge Preservation should be the standard.
Key Takeaways
- Ridge Preservation reduces bone loss by up to 80–85%.
- Start with the end in mind: extraction is part of implant planning.
- Ridge Preservation simplifies future treatments and reduces stress for both patient and dentist.
- Geistlich biomaterials like Geistlich Bio-Oss® Collagen and Geistlich Mucograft® Seal are reliable options for maintaining ridge volume with minimal intervention.
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Bioregeneration and Earlier Implants: A New Clinical Pathway
Dr. Patricia Solano, Spain – Complutense University of Madrid
Can cutting-edge biologics accelerate healing and enable earlier implant placement? Dr. Patricia Solano’s presentation introduced the concept of Bioregeneration, a biologically enhanced healing process supported by REGENFAST®, a gel composed of polynucleotides, hyaluronic acid, and mannitol.
Through clinical and histological evidence, Solano demonstrated how REGENFAST® supports fibroblast vitality, extracellular matrix formation, and faster healing. Combined with Geistlich Bio-Oss®, it creates a biologically active graft that efficiently promotes both hard and soft tissue healing. Her clinical cases showed how this synergy enables earlier re-entry without compromising stability or esthetics.
Key Takeaways:
- REGENFAST® promotes faster wound healing and tissue regeneration.
- Earlier implant placement (at 3–4 months) is possible—even in complex cases.
- Geistlich Bio-Oss® combined with REGENFAST® ensures volume stability and excellent soft tissue outcomes.
- Bioregeneration offers clinicians a way to reduce treatment time while maintaining control and predictability.
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Long-Term Stability: Doing the Simple Things Exceptionally Well
Dr. Mario Roccuzzo, Italy – University of Turin
Dr. Mario Roccuzzo delivered a refreshingly honest reminder: long-term success is not built on speed or showmanship but on sound judgment and respect for biology. He shared 10–22 year follow-ups showing that Alveolar Ridge Preservation, when done properly, results in stable soft tissues and simplified implant placement, even in compromised patients.
Dr. Roccuzzo cautioned against overconfidence and rushed protocols. He emphasized careful socket cleaning, proper graft selection (not all bone substitutes behave like Geistlich Bio-Oss®), and gentle provisional restorations to avoid compression-related resorption. He also discussed when not to preserve, highlighting the importance of realistic case selection.
Key Takeaways
- Ridge Preservation yields long-term stability with minimal recession (<0.5 mm over 10 years).
- Careful case selection and meticulous debridement are essential.
- Geistlich materials, especially Geistlich Bio-Oss® Collagen and Geistlich Mucograft® Seal, contribute to predictability.
- Ridge Preservation simplifies re-entry and reduces risk in periodontally compromised patients.
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Final Thoughts
Together, the three lectures delivered a compelling clinical roadmap:
- Start planning before extraction—it changes everything.
- Use biologically driven materials to reduce healing time and surgical complexity.
- Aim for predictable long-term outcomes by respecting the biology, not rushing it.
Whether you’re new to Ridge Preservation or looking to refine your workflow, these insights can elevate your patient care and your peace of mind.