Dr. Ernesto Lee is the developer of the S.M.A.R.T. Minimally Invasive Bone Grafting Method, a novel procedure that provides superior bone regeneration with less pain, less swelling and fewer complications than traditional techniques.
S.M.A.R.T. was originally developed to provide more predictable bone augmentation in the esthetic zone, while preserving the soft tissue architecture. Traditional flap-based approaches all too often result in membrane exposure, infection and soft tissue dehiscences. These complications lead to loss of papillae, recession, and gingival defects; with catastrophic consequences in the esthetic zone. After achieving successful early results, the S.M.A.R.T.method was applied in an expanding range of applications including horizontal augmentation, buccal plate regeneration on natural teeth and implants, and vertical augmentation.
The S.M.A.R.T (Subperiosteal Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Ridge Augmentation Technique) bone grafting method requires only a small incision, with no flap elevation, no tenting screws and no membranes. It delivers a xenograft/growth factor mixture to the site, using patented instruments and laparoscopic techniques. Bone augmentation can be performed predictably and with minimal risk of complications. Complex scenarios in the esthetic zone can be treated with fewer procedures, and less risk of soft tissue deformities. The S.M.A.R.T. method represents a disruptive technology that will dramatically impact the future of bone grafting.
S.M.A.R.T. was introduced to the profession during Dr. Ernesto Lees presentation at the 2017 Academy of Osseointegration Annual Meeting (AO) before an audience of 2,000+ attendees. The original S.M.A.R.T. article was published in the 2017 March/April issue of the prestigious International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry (IJPRD). This article reported the results of a prospective case series comprising 60 sites and five treatment categories, with a follow up period ranging from 4 to 30 months. Human histology was included further providing proof of concept.It is also possible to achieve vertical augmentation.
Tunneling approaches have been attempted since the 1980s but have not been widely adopted due to lack of predictability. Dr. Ernesto Lee developed a number of proprietary solutions to overcome the limitations associated with tunneling bone grafting. However, S.M.A.RT. is technique sensitive. Special surgical training and the use of patented surgical instrumentation are required to adequately perform this revolutionary procedure.
Dr. Lee is a native of Panama, where he graduated summa cum laude and class Valedictorian at the University of Panama. He subsequently completed specialty training in Periodontics and Periodontal Prosthesis/Fixed Prosthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lees private practice is located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; a Philadelphia Main Line suburb. Established in 1995, it continues to provide world-class Implant and Esthetic Dentistry to a discriminating and quality conscious patient base.
Dr. Lee is married to Dr. LynAnn Mastaj, an orthodontist; and proud father to Michael, a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; and Mackenzie, a freshman at New York University. The family resides in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Ernesto Lee is an internationally renowned Master Clinician and innovator in the fields of Implant and Esthetic Dentistry. He is a dual trained specialist with a 20+ year academic career, during which he has served as:
Dr. Lee is one of the Delaware Valleys pioneers in Implant Dentistry, having founded the Temple University Dental Implantology Center in 1989, the first of its kind in the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. As Director of the Penn Perio-Prosth, Perio and Postdoctoral Implantology Fellowship, he has taught advanced techniques to specialists from around the world.
An accomplished author and prolific speaker, Dr. Ernesto Lee counts with over thirty publications to his credit including the 3rd Edition of Dr. Ronald Goldsteins best-selling Esthetics in Dentistry co-authored with Drs. Ron Goldstein, Stephen Chu and Christian Stappert. He has given more than 200 presentations to professional organizations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, lecturing at the the most prestigious professional meetings and before the leading organizations worldwide, including:
Thirty years ago open heart surgery was commonplace. Nowadays, there are a growing number of endoscopic and robotic alternatives. Similarly, the S.M.A.R.T. minimally invasive bone grafting technique is a disruptive technology with the potential to profoundly impact the future of jaw bone grafting procedures, in the same way angioplasties and stents decreased the frequency of open heart surgery.The S.M.A.R.T. method applies laparoscopic surgical principles to dental bone grafting procedures. It does not require flaps, tenting screws or membranes; while yielding consistently superior results, with fewer complications, less pain and swelling than the traditional techniques.
S.M.A.R.T. has the potential to change the future of bone regeneration, and we want to ensure its scientific development as well as its responsible and ethical implementation. Because we are at an early stage with this technique however, our focus is on achieving positive outcomes for patients and clinicians. Proper education, surgical instrumentation, and strict adherence to the protocol are essential to achieving this goal. Accordingly, we have developed a focused 2-day hands on Training Course for experienced surgeons, that is a requirement for purchase of the S.M.A.R.T. Surgical Kit.