THE VERTICAL
Predictable Soft Tissue Augmentation in the Esthetic Zone
From Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafting to Vertical Mucogingival Augmentation
8–9 February 2027 | Bucharest, Romania
COURSE OVERVIEW
This intensive two-day masterclass connects established subepithelial connective tissue grafting with biologically driven vertical soft-tissue augmentation around natural teeth, implants, and edentulous sites.
Day 1 combines lectures, case-based decision-making, and live surgery. Day 2 is dedicated to microscope-assisted hands-on training on pig jaws.
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DAY 1 — BIOLOGY, CLINICAL DECISION-MAKING & LIVE SURGERY
09:00–10:30 | Biological Foundations and Esthetic Soft-Tissue Diagnosis
* Three-dimensional assessment of soft-tissue deficiencies
* Tissue phenotype, papilla architecture, and vascular supply
* Cellular tension, fibroblast behavior, and wound-healing dynamics
* Differences between natural-tooth and implant soft-tissue interfaces
* Why vertical tissue gain is not the same as buccal thickening
10:30–11:00 | Coffee Break
11:00–12:30 | From Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafting to Vertical Augmentation
* Indications and limitations of conventional connective tissue grafting
* Recipient-site preparation and graft positioning
* Flap design, vascular preservation, and tension-free closure
* Preservation of the mucogingival junction
* Selecting the appropriate approach for natural teeth, implants, and edentulous sites
* Introduction to MPT and VIBE principles
12:30–13:30 | Lunch
13:30–16:00 | Live Surgery: Soft-Tissue Augmentation in the Esthetic Zone
* Clinical assessment and treatment planning
* Flap and graft design
* Microsurgical tissue handling
* Graft positioning and stabilization
* Papilla support and tension-free wound closure
16:00–16:15 | Coffee Break
16:15–17:00 | Surgical Debrief and Case-Based Discussion
* Step-by-step review of the live procedure
* Clinical decision-making and alternative approaches
* Prevention and management of complications
* Questions and discussion
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DAY 2 — MICROSURGICAL HANDS-ON TRAINING UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
09:00–10:30 | Microsurgical Workflow and Technique Demonstration
* Microscope setup, ergonomics, and instrument handling
* Incision design and controlled flap elevation
* Step-by-step Modified Platform Technique
* Protected VIBE video walkthrough
* Graft preparation, stabilization, and wound-closure principles
10:30–11:00 | Coffee Break
11:00–12:30 | Hands-On Session I: MPT on Pig Jaws
* Flap elevation and submucosal envelope creation
* MGJ-preserving tissue preparation
* Graft positioning
* Execution of vertical soft-tissue gain around natural teeth
* Tension-free closure
12:30–13:30 | Lunch
13:30–15:00 | Hands-On Session II: VIBE on Pig Jaws
* Vertical incision design
* Bilaminar elevation
* Papilla and coronal tissue support
* Graft insertion and stabilization
* Implant- and edentulous-site simulation
15:00–15:30 | Coffee Break
15:30–17:00 | Microsurgical Suturing and Instructor-Guided Refinement
* Scar-minimizing suturing patterns
* Precision tension control
* Wound stability and vascular preservation
* Complication prevention
* Individual correction and faculty feedback
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TECHNIQUE ATTRIBUTION
The Modified Platform Technique (MPT), introduced by Dr. John Yu-Cheng Chu, is designed for vertical soft-tissue augmentation around natural teeth.
Vertical Incision Bilaminar Elevation (VIBE), developed by Dr. Po-Jan Kuo, is designed for papilla and soft-tissue reconstruction at edentulous and implant sites.
Protected teaching segment: No photography or video recording is permitted during the VIBE video walkthrough.
