The Utility of Bile Acids for the Diagnosis of Liver Disease in Exotic Animals.

The synthesis of bile acids occurs during the degradation of cholesterol in hepatocytes. Thus, this analyte is expected to be a sensitive indicator of hepatocellular dysfunction or alterations in portal circulation. Bile acids can be quantified via an enzymatic reaction to a highly conserved moiety across species.

An alternative method for restoring single-tooth implants.

Background: Having laboratory technicians prepare soft-tissue casts and implant abutments with or without concomitant removable temporary prostheses during the restorative phase of single-tooth replacement is an accepted practice. It can, however, result in functional and esthetic intraoral discrepancies.

Case Description: Single-tooth implants can be restored with crowns (like those for natural teeth) fabricated at a dental laboratory on casts obtained from final impressions of prepared implant abutments.

Peri-implant infections.

The most judicious way to address peri-implant disease is to take steps to avoid it from the beginning of each implant restoration case. This involves treatment planning with a priority placed on biomechanically overengineering the case, using sound surgical techniques, enhancing keratinized tissue prior to placing the implants when appropriate, and placing an emphasis on rigorous follow-up and hygiene instruction. In the long run, the benefits of adhering to such methods outweigh the disadvantages.