Cyclic loading of implant-supported prostheses: comparison of gaps at the prosthetic-abutment interface when cycled abutments are replaced with as-manufactured abutments.

Statement Of Problem: Implant-supported prostheses are mechanically connected to implants. When this connection is a screw joint, it is likely that the fit will be imperfect. Previous studies demonstrate that deformation can occur at the interface between the prosthesis and implant following cyclic loading.

Cyclic loading of implant-supported prostheses: changes in component fit over time.

Statement Of Problem: Dental literature suggests that an implant-supported prosthesis must exhibit a passive fit to prevent implant fracture, component breakage, and screw loosening. From a practical standpoint, passive fit is impossible to achieve; instead, minimal misfit may be the clinical goal. To date no specific range of misfit (below which problems are minimal and above which catastrophic failure occurs) has been established.

Maxillofacial rehabilitation of a large facial defect resulting from an arteriovenous malformation utilizing a two-piece prosthesis.

Large facial defects involving the oral cavity can be difficult to restore prosthetically because of a lack of anatomic undercuts, limited means of retention, mobility of soft tissue margins, and the weight of the prosthesis. Use of skin adhesives may be precluded because of the presence of persistent moisture and saliva. The maxillofacial rehabilitation, including the design and fabrication of a 2-piece silicone prosthesis retained by the teeth, of a patient with a large facial defect as a result of treatment for an arteriovenous malformation is described.

Can we assess quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer? A preliminary report from the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics.

Survival statistics alone may no longer be valid when used as evidence of effective outcomes. Patient satisfaction is an end point that needs further evaluation and should be included in the outcomes assessment. A 133-item questionnaire has been designed by a special committee of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics (AAMP) to assess the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer impacting the orofacial region.