Graft versus Graftless Approaches in Implant Dentistry: When and Why?
Location
Speaker
Dr Zuhair Natto
Dr. Zuhair Natto is an Associate Professor at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, and a Visiting Assistant Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Tufts School of Dental Medicine, USA. He is a Consultant of Periodontology, Implant Dentistry, and Dental Public Health, as well as a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and the American Board of Implant Dentistry. He holds four master’s degrees in business administration, biostatistics, clinical trial, and molecular genetics and microbiology. He was awarded a doctorate in epidemiology. Dr. Natto has published more than 85 articles, book chapters, and patents. He received over 65 awards from various countries including the United States, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia. He presented several workshops, courses, lectures, and posters nationally and internationally regarding periodontology and public health.
Organizer
Abstract :
This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of both graft-based and graftless strategies in implant site development, critically analyzing their respective indications, advantages, and limitations. With growing interest in minimally invasive implant protocols — especially in settings where anatomical, biological, or patient-related constraints exist — understanding when to apply graft versus graftless options is essential for evidence-based treatment planning. The session aims to equip clinicians with a decision-making framework, grounded in current literature and clinical realities, to guide the selection between graft and graftless techniques. Attendees will gain the ability to (1) define each approach and identify suitable clinical scenarios; (2) compare biological, technical, morbidity, cost, and patient-centered implications; (3) implement a practical decision algorithm in sample cases; and (4) critically appraise recent studies comparing outcomes of graft and graftless protocols. By the end of the lecture, participants will be better prepared to tailor implant site preparation to individual patients — optimizing outcomes while minimizing invasiveness, risks, and costs.
Learning objectives :
- Define graft and graftless approaches and list at least three clinical scenarios where each is appropriate.
- Compare the biological, technical, cost, and morbidity considerations influencing graft vs. graftless decisions.
- Apply a decision-making algorithm (or flow chart) to at least two sample cases, selecting graft or graftless strategy with rationale.
- Critically assess at least two recent studies (from the last 5 years) comparing out