On the Mic with MAP Podcast: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry

What Every Dental Implant Surgeon Should Know About Remote Anchorage Non-Zygomatic Approachhttps://www.pikosinstitute.com/live-courses/pterygoid-implant-course-with-non-zygomaticWe’re bringing back a fan-favorite episode of On the Mic with MAP! In this throwback to episode 5, Dr. Michael A. Pikos dives deep into remote anchorage solutions for full arch implant therapy—without relying on zygomatic implants. We’re re-running the conversation, but the message remains the same: understanding alternative anchorage strategies is essential to expanding your full arch capabilities.Following the overwhelming response to our discussion on zygomatic implants, this episode explores alternative surgical strategies for treating the atrophic maxilla, including:✅ Pterygoid implants✅ Palatal approach implants✅ Paranasal implants✅ Trans-sinus protocolsDr. Pikos breaks down:• When and why to use non-zygomatic approaches• How pterygoid implants eliminate distal cantilevers• The role of cortical anchorage in full arch stability• Common complications and how to avoid them• Why restorative understanding is critical for surgical successWhether you’re revisiting this fan favorite or tuning in for the first time, this episode provides clinical insight, real-world application, and surgical strategy to help expand your full arch capabilities and reduce reliance on zygomatic implants.Connect with us on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: https://x.com/PikosInstituteListen and watch:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5JmGSwM7eOrOpAKVFY8F0O?si=Nt5MluomQBeCthhRU79zyAApple Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-a-pikosYouTube: https://youtu.be/jeQjIM81jdw

What separates following a surgical protocol from truly understanding why it works?In this episode of On the Mic with MAP: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry, Dr. Michael A. Pikos welcomes Dr. Richard Miron for a conversation about the science behind regenerative dentistry—and how that science informs clinical decisions.Drawing on their years of research, teaching, and collaboration, they explore the evolution of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), extended PRF membranes, bone graft selection, and the importance of understanding biomaterial properties. Dr. Miron also shares his perspective on emerging research involving processed allografts, exosomes, facial esthetics, and combination therapies using lasers and biologics.The conversation closes with a powerful discussion about education: why sharing failures and complications matters, how mentorship shapes clinical growth, and why understanding the biology remains central to responsible implant care.In this episode:• Translating laboratory research into clinically relevant questions• The evolution of PRF and extended PRF membranes• Understanding the rationale behind bone graft selection• Emerging directions in regenerative research• The value of teaching complication prevention and managementListen for a closer look at the science, judgment, and honest conversations that move implant education forward.Explore continuing education at PikosInstitute.com.00:20 Welcome and introductionDr. Pikos introduces his guest and their longstanding collaboration.01:10 Dr. Miron’s background Training in Canada and Switzerland, molecular and cell biology, and biomaterials research.02:48 Books, teaching, and humilityWriting, faculty involvement, and an approachable teaching philosophy.07:31 Research that changes patient care How mentorship shifted Dr. Miron toward clinically relevant research questions.10:30 Connecting researchers and clinicians Differences in academic environments and the importance of collaboration.12:11 Finding that connection at Pikos Institute Bringing laboratory science and clinical education together.13:20 The evolution of PRF Horizontal centrifugation, collection tubes, and extended PRF.14:38 Extended PRF in clinical applications Early experiences, membrane applications, and clinician-led exploration.18:00 Understanding bone graft materials Material properties, selection, and gaps in foundational knowledge.20:53 The biology behind the technique Why clinicians need to understand the rationale for treatment decisions.23:21 New directions in allograft research Processing methods and discussion of premixed graft concepts.25:58 Procedure-specific graft mixtures Dr. Miron’s vision for simplifying material selection.26:56 Exosomes and regenerative research Discussion of application-specific biologic approaches.29:07 PRF and facial estheticsHow patient interest led to work beyond dental applications.31:27 Lasers and combination therapiesDiscussion of lasers alongside PRF and growth factors.33:20 Friendship and professional impactDr. Pikos reflects on their collaboration.35:03 Teaching failures and complicationsWhy honest education requires more than successful cases.36:31 Prevention, management, and shared learningDr. Pikos explains the role of his own complications in teaching.38:11 Closing remarks Personal appreciation and their ongoing relationship.Connect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/PikosInstituteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Sj8qBsxCM8az1BmWzIdUi?si=51d7a9dad5f0405dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358

Successful implant reconstruction requires more than rebuilding bone. Soft tissue management, clinical judgment, and complication prevention all play essential roles.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.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.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.The conversation also previews their three-day Mastering Reconstructive Oral Surgery course at the Pikos Institute in February 2027.Explore continuing education opportunities at PikosInstitute.com.00:14 Welcome and guest introductions01:25 Background in oral surgery and bone augmentation02:14 The growing need for reconstructive treatment03:10 Integrating soft tissue and digital workflows04:43 Preview of the three-day Pikos Institute course05:15 Why soft tissue instruction comes before bone grafting06:02 Building confidence through step-by-step training08:05 Understanding the Khoury Split Bone Block technique09:25 Horizontal, vertical, and combined defects10:30 Their philosophy on autogenous tissue11:48 Soft tissue as an implant’s “seatbelt”13:04 Complications and lessons from their own cases15:56 How their reconstructive protocols evolved 17:12 Transitioning to digitally designed procedures18:37 Case selection and the learning curve22:42 How their guided digital workflow began23:09 Guides, templates, and working outside the mouth24:15 Initial skepticism and site-specific bone harvesting25:12 Shaping and transferring bone plates using a 3D printed model26:01 Why digital technology still depends on soft tissue management26:46 Dr. Pikos reflects on tissue thickness and graft protection28:23 Course preview and closing invitationConnect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/PikosInstituteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Sj8qBsxCM8az1BmWzIdUi?si=51d7a9dad5f0405dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358

Full-arch dentistry is often discussed in terms of implant positioning, immediate loading, digital workflows, prosthetic design, and clinical outcomes. But to truly go Beyond the Arch™, clinicians must recognize the person—and the story—behind every case.In this episode of On the Mic with MAP, Dr. Michael A. Pikos takes listeners Beyond the Arch™ to explore the human side of full-arch implant dentistry. Drawing on more than four decades of clinical experience, he explains why listening to the patient, rebuilding trust, and understanding what brought them to treatment are just as important as surgical and restorative excellence.Many patients arrive after years of pain, failing teeth, unsuccessful treatments, embarrassment, financial investment, and lost confidence. Going Beyond the Arch™ means understanding that treatment is not simply about replacing teeth. It can restore a patient’s comfort, dignity, confidence, ability to eat, and willingness to smile again.Dr. Pikos also discusses the responsibility of the entire dental team, the danger of allowing routine procedures to feel routine to the patient, and the importance of measuring success beyond implant survival.Can the patient eat comfortably? Are they smiling again? Do they trust their new teeth? Has their life genuinely improved?Because going Beyond the Arch™ means recognizing that clinical excellence gets the patient through the procedure—but human excellence gets them through the journey.00:20 It’s not about the arches—it’s about the people00:46 The rapid evolution of full-arch dentistry01:24 Looking beyond implants and prostheses02:01 Every patient arrives with a story03:07 Rebuilding trust before rebuilding the mouth03:35 Why clinicians must slow down and truly listen04:03 The consultation is not about selling dentistry04:59 Anatomy provides information; the patient’s story provides understanding05:25 The problem with impersonal, assembly-line care06:46 What are we really restoring?07:21 Confidence, dignity, comfort, and quality of life08:17 A routine procedure can be life-changing for the patient09:23 Never allow treatment to feel routine to the patient10:20 Preparing the entire team to understand patient fear11:10 Patients experience one team—not separate departments12:09 Clinical excellence versus human excellence12:38 The emotional moment when the patient sees the result13:20 Measuring outcomes beyond implant survival14:20 Technology should make care more personal16:00 The most important lessons are not always surgical18:30 Why Dr. Pikos continues to love what he does19:08 ClosingConnect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/PikosInstituteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Sj8qBsxCM8az1BmWzIdUi?si=51d7a9dad5f0405dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358

Mastering a surgical technique is only the beginning. True clinical growth comes from understanding why, when—and when not—to use it.In Episode 15 of On the Mic with MAP, Dr. Michael A. Pikos goes Beyond the Arch™ to explore the value of educational diversity in implant dentistry. He explains how exposure to different clinical backgrounds, philosophies, biomaterials, workflows, and approaches to complications helps clinicians develop stronger judgment and make better decisions.From full-arch treatment and remote anchorage to hard- and soft-tissue grafting, no single technique is right for every patient. Dr. Pikos discusses the importance of respecting anatomy and biology, anticipating complications, preparing a Plan B, and customizing treatment to the individual case.The goal of meaningful education is not to produce clinicians who simply follow protocols. It is to develop independent thinkers and confident decision-makers capable of delivering predictable, patient-specific care.00:20 Introducing educational diversity00:50 Why clinicians may approach the same case differently01:49 Education versus indoctrination02:23 Developing thinkers instead of doers03:40 Looking beyond technique to anatomy and indications05:14 Why great education develops judgment05:47 The value of diverse faculty backgrounds07:23 Learning multiple approaches to complications08:22 The importance of in-depth lectures and focused Q&A10:46 Evidence-based education with clinical relevance12:18 Challenging established thinking and techniques13:20 Clinical growth: how, when, and when not14:18 Why one approach does not fit every patient15:44 One diagnosis with multiple treatment options16:22 Planning for complications and preparing a Plan B18:16 Developing decision-makers—not protocol followers18:44 Creating a community of clinical excellence19:43 The question every clinician should continue asking20:08 Closing thoughtsConnect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/PikosInstituteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Sj8qBsxCM8az1BmWzIdUi?si=51d7a9dad5f0405dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358