VINCENT CELENZA

Ever since the advent of osseointegrated implant fixtures in the early 80s from P.I. Branemark's famous work, to now, the use of implants in everyday dentistry has just grown and grown. Not a day goes by in my office that I don't do something utilizing this technology when treating my patients one way or another. But, is it always the best choice? Is it the best way to go to replace a missing tooth or teeth? Are there disadvantages?

This presentation will not be a "how to" course in the placement of implants. It is intended to be a discussion that hopes to develop thought patterns about when decisions to use implants are made and why. What are their superior offerings in a given situation and should we venture to restore teeth instead? Additionally, and maybe more importantly, we want to ask these questions: Are these teeth restorable? Would restoring be better? What’s involved and would restoring be a heroic venture? Would that be reckless? What are my own limitations and abilities with regard to this and what about my patients participation in this process?

At the end of this presentation I hope there will be a slightly different view about when, where and how to best employ the use of implants in our dental practices as an adjunct to prosthetic treatment when restoration of teeth has been ruled out.

Learning Objective(s):
To put the use of dental implants into perspective.
To appreciate the long-term ramifications of dental implant restorations.
To gain an appreciation for prosthetic considerations necessary to restore implants.

CV

Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics
Past President of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry
Fellow and Past President of the Northeastern Gnathological Society now renamed as: NGS Academy of Multidisciplinary Dentistry (NGS AMD).
Fellow of the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics
Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontics

1979 – Boston University school of Graduate Dentistry
Certificate Specialty – Prosthodontics
1977 – Fairleigh Dickinson University Dental School

Currently – Private Practice in Manhattan
Presents regularly at NYU, Columbia, and the Manhattan VA.