Histological assessment and gene expression analysis of intra-oral soft tissue graft donor sites.

Aim: To determine the structural and gene expression features of different intra-oral soft tissue donor sites (i.e., anterior palate, posterior palate, maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad).

Transmucosal abutments in the esthetic zone: Surgical and prosthetic considerations.

Objective: This article describes an updated step-by-step protocol for transmucosal abutment selection and treatment sequencing after immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone.

Clinical Considerations: Current surgical and prosthetic concepts strive to preserve hard and soft-tissues to provide optimal esthetics at the implant-abutment interface. Consequently, restoring implants in the esthetic zone with transmucosal abutments presents a great challenge and must take into consideration implant depth, angulation, and bucco-lingual position as well as transmucosal height and space for an optimized emergence profile of the restoration and the dimensions of the anterior tooth to be restored.

Comparative histological evaluation of intra- and extraorally de-epithelialized connective tissue graft samples harvested from the posterior palate region.

Background: Autologous connective tissue graft (CTG) is generally considered the gold standard for peri-implant soft tissue phenotype modification and root coverage therapy. The presence of epithelial remnants in CTG has been associated with complications after soft tissue augmentation surgery. However, a specific method for de-epithelization that is patently superior has not been identified yet.

Predictable immediate implant placement and restoration in the esthetic zone.

This article describes a comprehensive step-by-step protocol for immediate implant placement and restoration in the esthetic zone. Clinical Considerations Immediate implant placement into fresh extraction sockets and immediate restoration have become widely accepted, demonstrating long-term success rates that are comparable with traditional delayed implant protocols. However, they are technique sensitive and require proper treatment planning as well as meticulous execution to be predictable and successful in the long term.

Peri-implant marginal mucosa defects: Classification and clinical management.

Peri-implant marginal mucosa defects (PMMDs) are alterations of the peri-implant soft tissue architecture characterized by an apical discrepancy of the mucosal margin respective to its ideal position with or without exposure of transmucosal prosthetic components or the implant fixture surface. PMMDs may not only represent an esthetic concern but also predispose to biofilm accumulation and subsequent initiation and progression of peri-implant inflammatory diseases. A treatment-driven classification for tooth-bound, facial PMMDs in non-molar sites, consisting of three different levels of complexity, is proposed.

Effect of fluorescent and nonfluorescent glaze pastes on lithium disilicate pressed ceramic color at different thicknesses.

Statement Of Problem: Materials possessing fluorescent properties are assumed to emit sufficient visible light to change tooth color under daylight illumination. Fluorescent and nonfluorescent glaze pastes are available to finish the surface of a pressed lithium disilicate restoration. However, the effect of a fluorescent-glaze layer on the final color of the restoration remains unclear.

Effect of Platform Shift/Switch on Crestal Bone Levels and Mucosal Profile Following Flapless Surgery and Crestal/Subcrestal Implant Placement.

Background: Crestal remodeling/bone loss appears a common sequel to dental implant placement. Several hypotheses and clinical strategies have been advanced to explain and avert crestal remodeling; however, causative mechanisms remain unclear and the efficacy of clinical protocol uncertain.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to provide a histologic record of crestal versus subcrestal implant placement on crestal remodeling and mucosal profile comparing platform shift/switch and standard abutments following flapless implant surgery using a dog model.

Effect of Platform Shift on Crestal Bone Levels and Mucosal Profile Following Flap Surgery and Subcrestal Implant Placement in Presence/Absence of Gap Defects.

Background: Physiologic remodeling resulting in crestal bone loss appears a common corollary to dental implant surgery. Several hypotheses and clinical strategies have been advanced to explain and avert crestal remodeling; however, causative mechanisms remain unclear and the efficacy of clinical protocols uncertain.

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to provide a histologic account of crestal bone levels and mucosal profile at implant sites receiving platform shift/switch and standard abutments following conventional flap surgery and subcrestal implant placement in presence or absence of crestal gap defects using a dog model.

Effect of Platform Shift/Switch and Concave Abutments on Crestal Bone Levels and Mucosal Profile following Flap and Flapless Implant Surgery.

Background: Crestal remodeling/bone loss appears to be a common sequel to dental implant placement. Several hypotheses/clinical strategies have been proposed to explain/avert crestal remodeling; however, causative mechanisms remain unclear and the efficacy of these clinical approaches uncertain.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to provide a histological account of crestal bone levels and mucosal profile at platform shift/switch and concave abutments following flapless and conventional flap surgery and subcrestal implant placement using a dog model.