Laser-Assisted Therapy for the Treatment of Peri-implantitis. Part I. Clinical Outcomes.

The purpose of this 12-month randomized, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a monotherapy protocol with the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for treatment of peri-implantitis. Twenty patients with 36 implants exhibiting probing pocket depths (PPDs) > 4 mm and evidence of radiographic bone loss (RBL) were randomly divided into two groups. The test group was treated with the Nd:YAG laser, and the control group was managed with mechanical debridement only.

Novel Approach to Overcome Limitations Associated With Immediate Implant Placement: Osteotome Technique.

This case series introduces a novel osteotome technique as an alternative to conventional drilling protocols for immediate fixtures. Immediate implant placement is associated with significantly less bone-to-implant contact, and navigating the anatomy of the socket can be difficult. Osteotomy drills remove already-limited bone following atraumatic extractions.

Lip Repositioning with Vestibular Shallowing Technique for Treatment of Excessive Gingival Display with Various Etiologies.

Improvement of smile esthetics is a major goal of modern dentistry. Various treatment modalities have been proposed to correct excessive gingival display (EGD), depending on the identified etiologies. This study reports on the clinical and patient-centered outcomes of a novel lip repositioning technique with vestibular shallowing approach in the treatment of three types of EGD with varying etiologies.

Comparison of Osteotome and Conventional Drilling Techniques for Primary Implant Stability: An In Vitro Study.

It may be difficult to achieve primary stability in the posterior maxilla because of poor quality and quantity of bone. Studies have shown that the osteotome technique immediately increases bone density thereby increasing primary stability. An in vitro study was conducted to compare the stability achieved by the osteotome and conventional drilling techniques in low density bone.

Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and insertional torque (IT) stability comparisons of implants placed using osteotomes versus drilling techniques: A preliminary case study.

Objective: Poor bone density in the posterior maxilla often presents challenges in achieving implant stability. Insertional torque (IT) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) have been used to objectively monitor the process of osseointegration. This study was designed to quantitatively assess the primary and secondary stability of fixtures placed using the osteotome or conventional drilling technique, in soft bone.

Reconstruction of the narrow ridge using combined ridge split and guided bone regeneration with rhPDGF-BB growth factor-enhanced allograft.

In clinical situations where the presence of severe horizontal ridge deficiencies precludes simultaneous implant placement and bone augmentation, a staged approach may be desirable to allow optimal implant placement. Numerous therapeutic options are available for the treatment of the horizontally deficient ridge. With advances in tissue engineering, the use of growth factors can significantly improve wound healing with more rapid bone formation and maturation.

Maintaining space in localized ridge augmentation using guided bone regeneration with tenting screw technology.

Prosthetic guided implant surgery requires adequate ridge dimensions for proper implant placement. Various surgical procedures can be used to augment deficient alveolar ridges. Studies have examined new bone formation on deficient ridges, utilizing numerous surgical techniques and biomaterials.

Novel decision tree algorithms for the treatment planning of compromised teeth.

In clinical practice, dentists are faced with the dilemma of whether to treat, maintain, or extract a tooth. Of primary importance are the patient's desires and the restorability and periodontal condition of the tooth/teeth in question. Too often, clinicians extract teeth when endodontic therapy, crown-lengthening surgery, forced orthodontic eruption, or regenerative therapy can be used with predictable results.

Considerations for a staged approach in implant dentistry.

Full-arch and partial reconstruction is demanding for the clinician and a challenge for the patient. Traditionally, teeth are extracted, and implants are placed; the patient wears a provisional removable prosthesis during implant osseointegration. The patient is left to deal with a difficult transition from a fixed dentition to a removable one, albeit temporarily.

Sequencing osteotomes to overcome challenges presented by deficient bone quantity and quality in potential implant sites.

The combination of inadequate bone volume, poor bone quality, and elevated occlusal forces contributes to the posterior maxilla being the least predictable site for implant survival. Osteotomes are surgical instruments that have been designed in an attempt to improve bone quantity and quality. Conflicting reports in the literature compare the percentages of bone-to-implant surface contact between the implants placed using osteotomes and conventional drills.

Alternative to the gold standard for alveolar ridge augmentation: tenting screw technology.

Studies have discussed the potential issues associated with the placement of implants in unfavorable locations. Today, it is possible to optimize implant placement despite the significant ridge resorption that often occurs after tooth extraction. This objective is achievable because techniques exist to augment resorbed alveolar ridges to prerequisite widths and heights for proper implant position.