The effectiveness of preformed tooth protectors during endotracheal intubation: an upper jaw model.

Background: In anesthetic practice, tooth damage may impair patient safety and is a common reason for litigation. The use of dental shields may reduce this complication. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of dental shields for altering the force on the teeth during endotracheal intubation.

Analysis of complications following alveolar distraction osteogenesis and implant placement in the partially edentulous mandible.

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate complications before, during, and after vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis and to assess the survival rate of dental implants placed in distracted bone.

Study Design: In a consecutive series, 37 patients with 45 alveolar ridge deficiencies of the partially edentulous mandible were treated with 14 intraosseous and 31 subperiosteal distraction devices. Seventy-two dental implants could be placed at the time of distractor removal and 21 implants at a second stage.