Changing concepts. The effects of occlusion on periodontitis.

Despite volumes of publications on the theory of occlusion, occlusal design, and equilibration techniques, there have been few well-designed human studies directed at answering the question does occlusal trauma modify the progression of attachment loss in periodontitis. The articles reviewed indicate that occlusal forces can cause changes in the alveolar bone and periodontal connective tissue both in the presence and in the absence of periodontitis. These changes can affect tooth mobility and clinical probing depth.

Treatment of 3rd molar-induced periodontal defects with guided tissue regeneration.

Recent reports provide evidence of increased attachment levels when using guided tissue regeneration (GTR) techniques for the treatment of periodontal defects. Periodontal defects frequently occur at the distal aspect of mandibular 2nd molars which are next to mesioangular impacted 3rd molars that have oral communication. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of GTR can enhance probing attachment levels (PALs) following extraction of mesioangular impacted third molars.

Effect of flap design on healing and osseointegration of dental implants.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate soft tissue healing and osseointegration of dental implants after the use of vestibular incision or crestal incision flap designs during placement of the dental implant fixture. A split-mouth design was used in 10 patients. The vestibular flap technique was used for half the implant fixtures and the crestal incision for the other half.