ICOI ASEAN Congress 2026: Zygomatic Implantology and Soft-Tissue Management

This July, I will be speaking at the ICOI ASEAN Congress 2026 in Chennai on zygomatic implantology and soft-tissue management.

From July 24th to 26th, Saveetha University will host the congress under the theme, "Crafting the Future: Human Artistry in a Digital Age." The programme brings together clinicians to discuss how digital workflows, surgical planning, and hands-on judgement continue to shape implant dentistry. That balance is relevant to the work we do every day at Nuffield Dental, where technology supports clinical decision-making but does not replace it.

The Challenge of the Atrophic Maxilla

For many patients, the loss of teeth isn't just a dental issue; it’s a functional and psychological burden that standard treatments sometimes cannot address. When we encounter severe bone loss in the upper jaw: what we call the atrophic maxilla: traditional dental implants often have nowhere to grip.

This is where zygomatic implants come into play. By anchoring into the zygomatic bone (the cheekbone), we can provide a stable foundation for a full bridge of teeth, often in a single day. It is a demanding procedure that requires careful planning, anatomical understanding, and disciplined execution.

My Lecture: Closing the Zygomatic Case

On Saturday, July 25th, at 10:30 AM, I will be presenting my lecture: "Closing the Zygomatic Case: Contemporary Soft-Tissue Closure Strategies with Buccal Fat Pad Augmentation."

While much of the discussion in implantology focuses on the bone, the long-term success of a zygomatic case often depends just as much on the soft tissue. If we do not achieve a healthy, stable seal around these implants, complications can follow and affect the reconstruction.

In my session, I will discuss the technical considerations involved in using the buccal fat pad as a vascularised flap to support closure. It is a technique grounded in anatomy, wound management, and case selection. I will be sharing clinical data, surgical videos, and the rationale behind these contemporary strategies so that the session remains practical and open to discussion.

Human Artistry in a Digital Age

The congress theme reflects the current state of our profession. We have more tools at our disposal than ever before. At Nuffield Dental, we utilise high-resolution CBCT scans and digital planning software to map out surgery in detail before we begin.

At the same time, execution still depends on clinical judgement. No two patients are identical. Bone density, soft-tissue quality, and facial proportions vary from case to case, and those differences matter in real time. In teaching and discussion settings, I often come back to the same point: digital planning is valuable, but it must be paired with sound dental surgical decision-making.

Why Chennai and Saveetha University?

Chennai has long been an important centre for medical and dental education in India, and Saveetha University provides a strong setting for academic exchange. ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists) meetings create useful opportunities for clinicians to compare approaches, question assumptions, and learn from one another.

As a Main Podium Faculty member, I look forward to engaging with colleagues from across the ASEAN region and beyond. Events like this are valuable because they create space for practical discussion, honest case sharing, and the refinement of patient care through collective experience.

Bringing it All Back to Nuffield Dental

My commitment to dental education is closely linked to my role at Nuffield Dental. The value of attending and speaking at meetings like this lies in the exchange itself. Sharing techniques in Chennai, and listening to how others approach similar challenges, helps refine the way we think about treatment back in Singapore.

Whether it is a complex All-on-4 procedure or a zygomatic reconstruction, the aim remains consistent: to provide care that is carefully planned, clinically sound, and appropriate for the individual patient. We take a holistic approach, ensuring that every surgical intervention sits within a broader care journey.

Join the Conversation

If you are a fellow professional attending the ICOI ASEAN Congress, join my session on Saturday morning. Take the opportunity to discuss case planning, soft-tissue management, and the practical challenges that come with advanced implant dentistry.

For our patients and community, this kind of meeting matters because it supports continued learning and reflection. Exposure to international discussion helps keep our clinical thinking current and grounded in shared experience.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Chennai.

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About Samintharaj Kumar

I am a dental surgeon and the CEO of Nuffield Holdings. My work focuses on advanced implantology, oral surgery, and building integrated healthcare systems that put the patient at the centre of everything we do. I also remain involved in clinical education and professional exchange across implant dentistry. You can learn more about my background and my clinical philosophy here.