Leonidas Batas

Principles of Implant Placement in the Aesthetic Zone

Leonidas Batas D.D.S., M.Sc., PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,Greece

Implant placement in the aesthetic zone remains one of the most demanding procedures in implant dentistry, requiring a careful balance between biological principles, surgical precision, and prosthetic planning. This lecture presents the key principles necessary to achieve predictable functional and esthetic outcomes in highly visible areas of the dentition.

The presentation will emphasize comprehensive pre-operative assessment, including patient-specific risk factors, smile analysis, periodontal phenotype, and three-dimensional evaluation of hard and soft tissues. The concept of restorative-driven implant planning will be highlighted, focusing on ideal implant positioning to support optimal peri-implant tissue architecture and long-term stability.

Critical surgical parameters such as implant depth, angulation, and buccolingual positioning will be discussed, along with strategies for hard and soft tissue management. Timing of implant placement and the role of provisionalization in shaping peri-implant tissues will also be addressed. Clinical cases will illustrate common challenges and practical solutions, enabling clinicians to enhance predictability and minimize esthetic complications in the aesthetic zone.

Leonidas Batas DDS, MSc, PhD

Dr Leonidas Batas graduated from the Dental School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2000. From 2001 to 2005 he completed his postgraduate studies in Periodontology and Implantology at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry USA. He also obtained his Master of Science degree in Oral Biology from the same University in 2005. In 2016 Dr Batas obtained his PhD from the Department of Preventive Dentistry Periodontology and Dental implant Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
From 2007 until 2022 he has been a scientific associate in the postgraduate program of the the Department of Preventive Dentistry Periodontology and Dental implant Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and in 2022 he was elected as Assistant Professor at the same department.
Dr Leonidas Batas is also the General Secretary of the Hellenic Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. His research interest focuses on experimental animal models in periodontitis and implantology as well as in bone regeneration with various bone graft materials, growth factors, membranes as well as soft tissue biology around teeth and implants.