Redefining prognosis: Pushing through the limit of regenerative periodontal surgery of hopeless teeth
Location
Speaker
Dr Ryan, Ka Leong Ho
Dr. Ho received his BDS degree from the University of Hong Kong in 2015. In 2017, he attained Membership in the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the RCSEd and RCPS(Glasg). In 2018, he commenced further training in the EFP-accredited postgraduate programme in Periodontology at the HKU, and was awarded the MDS degree with distinction in 2021. In 2024, Dr. Ho achieved specialty membership in periodontics from the RCSEd and obtained fellowship in the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong in the specialty of periodontology. In 2025, he was admitted as a Fellow in the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine in Dental Surgery. Dr. Ho currently practises at the PPDH and his private clinic, primarily focusing on periodontology and implant dentistry, with a particular interest in periodontal regeneration with hopeless teeth. In addition, he contributes to both undergraduate and postgraduate education at the HKU, serving as Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor and Senior Clinical Practitioner.
Organizer
Abstract :
Teeth traditionally classified as hopeless are often assigned for extraction because of severe attachment loss, deep intrabony defects, mobility, and unfavorable anatomy. Advances in regenerative periodontal surgery, however, are challenging this prognosis-based threshold. This lecture explores how meticulous case selection and preparation, surgical technique and design, choice of biomaterials, and continuous supportive periodontal care may preserve selected hopeless teeth and restore function. It also examines biological limits, prognostic uncertainty, and the need for long-term evidence. Redefining prognosis should not imply indiscriminate treatment, but a structured, evidence-based approach that balances regenerative potential, treatment burden, cost, and predictable alternatives.
Learning Objectives :
- To understand the current applications of periodontal regeneration
- To apply appropriate case selection and assessment principles for periodontal regeneration
- To explore future applications of periodontal regeneration