Surgical Prosthodontics--A Shift in Patient Treatment at the University of Tennessee Graduate Prosthodontic Program (Case Report].

Over recent years Dentistry has evolved, and as such, we have been able to make strides in restoring edentulous patients with dental implants. Recently, the specialty of Prosthodontics, in addition to the prosthetic rehabilitation of complex dental patients with fixed, removable, implant, and cosmetic dental needs, has begun to shift into the surgical realm of patient treatment. This report outlines a minimally invasive technique for sinus floor elevation, on the controlled use of drills and osteotomes, while simultaneously placing implants through a guided protocol.

A systematic approach to definitive planning and designing single and multiple unit implant abutments.

With an increase in the availability of implant restorative components, the selection of an appropriate implant abutment for a given clinical situation has become more challenging. This article describes a systematic protocol to help the practitioner more thoughtfully select abutments for single and multiple unit fixed implant prostheses. The article examines the evaluation, planning, design, and fabrication processes for the definitive restoration.

Nanometer-scale features on micrometer-scale surface texturing: a bone histological, gene expression, and nanomechanical study.

Micro- and nanoscale surface modifications have been the focus of multiple studies in the pursuit of accelerating bone apposition or osseointegration at the implant surface. Here, we evaluated histological and nanomechanical properties, and gene expression, for a microblasted surface presenting nanometer-scale texture within a micrometer-scale texture (MB) (Ossean Surface, Intra-Lock International, Boca Raton, FL) versus a dual-acid etched surface presenting texture at the micrometer-scale only (AA), in a rodent femur model for 1, 2, 4, and 8weeks in vivo. Following animal sacrifice, samples were evaluated in terms of histomorphometry, biomechanical properties through nanoindentation, and gene expression by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis.

A review of implant abutments--abutment classification to aid prosthetic selection.

With an increase in the availability of implant restorative components, the selection of an appropriate implant abutment for a given clinical situation has become more challenging. This article describes a classification system that will help the practitioner understand the different implant abutments available and therefore be able to understand the selection of abutments for single and multiple unit fixed implant prosthesis.

A screw-connected sectional impression tray for patient with limited opening.

A procedure for fabricating a 2-piece custom tray is described. Implant analogs and gold cylinders are used to maximize the precision of the fit and the stability of the tray.

Management of the maxillary cancer patient--what the general dentist should know.

Background: Maxillary defects are created following surgical treatment of patients with benign and malignant neoplasms, trauma or congenital defects. The size of these defects influences the degree of debilitation.

Case Description: This patient lacks the conventional support, stability and retention when fabrication of the prosthesis is planned.