Gingival hyperplasia: a side effect of nifedipine and diltiazem.

Currently, calcium channel blockers are being used increasingly for the treatment of hypertension in the elderly. Several case reports in the dental literature suggest that patients treated with the calcium channel blockers manifest gingival hyperplasia similar to that seen in patients taking phenytoin (Dilantin, Parke-Davis). A small study of 89 patients undertaken at the Westside Veterans Administration Medical Center, Chicago seems to indicate that nifedipine and diltiazem do indeed cause gingival hyperplasia.

Use of an implant in repair of a fixed partial denture. A clinical report.

A repair technique for a fractured solder joint in a multiple-unit fixed partial denture has been presented. The advantages of this technique include (1) retention of part of an existing restoration; (2) provision of additional support to minimize future fracture; (3) removal of the implant crown for periodic evaluation and/or treatment; and (4) retention of a fixed partial denture where a removable prosthesis might otherwise be needed. The primary disadvantage of this technique is the time and expense associated with implant placement.