Scaling and root planing are probably the most important procedures in periodontal therapy, yet periodontal instrument identification requires visual refocusing from a patient to the tip of an instrument, an inefficient activity in terms of time and ergonomics. For instructors teaching periodontal instrumentation, identifying whether a student is using a correct instrument requires that the instrument be removed from a patient's mouth for inspection. This technique report shows how color coding instruments can simplify the instrument-identification process.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMass fatality identification efforts involving forensic odontology can involve hundreds of dental volunteers. A literature review was conducted and forensic odontologists and dental educators consulted to identify lessons learned from past mass fatality identification efforts. As a result, the authors propose a skill assessment system, the Odontology Victim Identification Skill Assessment System (OVID-SAS), which details qualifications required to participate on the Antemortem, Postmortem, Ante/Postmortem Comparison, Field, and Shift Leader/Initial Response Teams.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Oral Maxillofac Implants
March 2004
Purpose: Osseointegrated implants lack a periodontal ligament. Nevertheless, masticatory function in subjects with implant-supported restorations appears similar to function in those with natural dentition. It is not clear how the neurophysiologic mechanisms that modulate jaw movement are associated with osseointegrated implants.
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