This course is under the direction of Thomas G. Wiedemann, MD, PhD, DDS Oral Surgery procedures are an integral part of everyday dental practice. General Dentists perform extractions, periodontal surgery and implant placements that often require specific suturing skills. However, some clinicians may experience challenges such as suture loosing, flap dehiscence, tearing, and the inability to stabilize flaps. Improper suturing can lead to complications and even treatment failures. Whether dentists have been practicing for years or a relatively short period of time mastering suturing and soft tissue management is an essential skill that will predictably improve the final post surgical results. The goal of this hands-on course is to train general dentists in predictable and correct suturing techniques and flap designs. Attendees will learn about different types of suture material and needle configuration and indications for their use. The hands-on portion of the course will include lots of firsthand “over the shoulder” tips, tricks, and instructions. Participants will be confident with different suture types and experience the exercise of the most commonly used suturing techniques and flaps in dental practice. Doctors at any level who are interested in improving their suturing skills will be provided with practical information on how to suture properly and improve surgical treatment outcomes

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Comprehend predictable wound healing, suture mechanics and the importance of correct suturing
• Select the proper threads, needles, and hand instruments
• Know the armamentarium needed to facilitate surgical sutures in the mouth
• Understand why and how to choose a particular type or suture material
• Learn to perform and apply the most useful suturing techniques in divers clinical situations and understand the theory of these different suturing techniques in surgical exodontia, bone grafting, implants, clot and membrane stabilization, primary closure
• Discover how to avoid the most common suturing mistakes
• How to deal with suture challenges and complications
• Understand principles of wound healing and flap design
• Perform full-thickness and split-thickness flaps on a pig-jaw, including a GBR-procedure and the use of different types of classic and modern suture techniques as related to pre-implantological extractions
• Perform other frequent and common oral surgery procedures in the general dental practice
• Allow participants to refine and update all surgical skills