The Foundation of Implant Success: Bone, Tissue & Clinical Judgment with Dr. Juan Lara Chao & Dr. Jose Luis Mompell

<p>Successful implant reconstruction requires more than rebuilding bone. Soft tissue management, clinical judgment, and complication prevention all play essential roles.</p><p>In this episode of On the Mic with MAP: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry, Dr. Michael A. Pikos welcomes Dr. Jose Luis Mompell and Dr. Juan L. Chao to discuss the evolution of reconstructive oral surgery.</p><p>Together, they explore autogenous bone grafting, the Khoury Split Bone Block technique, and how digital guides and 3D printed models are changing their approach to bone augmentation. They also share lessons from their own complications and explain why clinicians need a thoughtful progression from simpler cases to more demanding reconstructions.</p><p>Discover why they describe soft tissue as an implant’s “seatbelt,” how portions of their digital workflow move outside the patient’s mouth, and why technology still depends on the surgeon’s hands.</p><p>The conversation also previews their three-day Mastering Reconstructive Oral Surgery course at the Pikos Institute in February 2027.</p><p>Explore continuing education opportunities at PikosInstitute.com.</p><p>00:14 Welcome and guest introductions</p><p>01:25 Background in oral surgery and bone augmentation</p><p>02:14 The growing need for reconstructive treatment</p><p>03:10 Integrating soft tissue and digital workflows</p><p>04:43 Preview of the three-day Pikos Institute course</p><p>05:15 Why soft tissue instruction comes before bone grafting</p><p>06:02 Building confidence through step-by-step training</p><p>08:05 Understanding the Khoury Split Bone Block technique</p><p>09:25 Horizontal, vertical, and combined defects</p><p>10:30 Their philosophy on autogenous tissue</p><p>11:48 Soft tissue as an implant’s “seatbelt”</p><p>13:04 Complications and lessons from their own cases</p><p>15:56 How their reconstructive protocols evolved </p><p>17:12 Transitioning to digitally designed procedures</p><p>18:37 Case selection and the learning curve</p><p>22:42 How their guided digital workflow began</p><p>23:09 Guides, templates, and working outside the mouth</p><p>24:15 Initial skepticism and site-specific bone harvesting</p><p>25:12 Shaping and transferring bone plates using a 3D printed model</p><p>26:01 Why digital technology still depends on soft tissue management</p><p>26:46 Dr. Pikos reflects on tissue thickness and graft protection</p><p>28:23 Course preview and closing invitation</p><p>Connect with us on Social Me