Short-Term Case Reports Demonstrating the Use of Volume-Stable Collagen Matrix.

A proper diagnostic and treatment planning process for dental implant rehabilitations should include a checklist of key factors to help clinicians avoid potential complications. Such a checklist should encompass evaluation of the soft- and hard-tissue volume buccal to each implant, as this has been shown to aid in maintaining marginal bone levels long-term. Thus, as part of surgical planning, a decision to augment the soft tissue should be considered.

Custom abutments alone will not eliminate the clinical effects of poor cementation techniques around dental implants.

With proper planning, placement, prosthetic treatment, and maintenance, dental implants have been shown to be a predictable and reliable treatment option with a high success rate. Clinicians who place cement-retained implant restorations, however, should be aware of the potential and sometimes irreversible biological complications associated with residual excess cement and should be prepared to consider using different practices that may reduce the problem. The present case reports describe the use of custom abutments to restore deeply placed implants with the intent of minimizing residual excess cement.

Orofacial pain emerging as a dental specialty.

The emerging field of orofacial pain was considered by the American Dental Association for full status as a new dental specialty. While the recognition of orofacial pain as a specialty was denied, the American Academy of Orofacial Pain plans to continue its efforts. Many recent advances in the neuroscience of orofacial pain have led to treatments that provide significant relief for patients with chronic orofacial pain disorders.

Regulation of lysyl oxidase by basic fibroblast growth factor in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Lysyl oxidase catalyzes the final known enzymatic step required for collagen and elastin cross-linking. A cross-linked collagenous extracellular matrix is required for bone formation. This study investigated whether lysyl oxidase, like its type I collagen substrate, is down-regulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and determined the degree of post-transcriptional control.

Pre- and post-translational regulation of lysyl oxidase by transforming growth factor-beta 1 in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

The final enzymatic step required for collagen cross-linking is the extracellular oxidative deamination of peptidyl-lysine and -hydroxylysine residues by lysyl oxidase. A cross-linked collagenous extracellular matrix is required for bone formation. The goals of this study were to compare the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 regulation of lysyl oxidase enzyme activity and steady state mRNA levels to changes in COL1A1 mRNA levels in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells.

Tissue management and retraction technique combined with all-ceramic crowns: case reports.

The need to preserve the gingival health during impression making for laboratory fabricated prostheses has been emphasized in literature and clinical practice. This article presents the placement of all-ceramic crowns utilizing a relatively new soft tissue retraction material, a polymer, cut into 2 mm wide strips. The sponge-like texture of the material expands with moisture and exerts gentle pressure on the gingival tissue, effecting a retraction for impressions.

The 3'-untranslated region of rat lysyl oxidase cDNA.

The cloning of the 3'-untranslated region of rat lysyl oxidase cDNA was completed. cDNA clones were generated by reverse transcriptase PCR from neonatal rat aorta smooth muscle cell RNA, and sequenced. Several polyadenylated clones were obtained, providing 2.

Growth factors in periodontal regeneration.

Periodontal tissue repair and regeneration are regulated by the local production of growth factors. However, naturally produced growth factors may not be sufficient to optimally stimulate periodontal regeneration. Exogenous growth factors can be used to supplement natural growth factors in wound healing.

A new approach to salvaging an existing fixed partial denture.

This case report describes the clinical procedures for salvaging a serviceable fixed partial denture (FPD) that deteriorated because of cement dissolution beneath the distal retainer. After removal of the FPD it was noticed that the "core reconstruction" was dislodged (the prefabricated post remained in the canal and required removal). A two-stage casting procedure that differed from reported techniques was customized to fit a cast post and core to the prepared root canal and retainer.

The significance of retention in post and core restorations.

Endodontically-treated, pulpless teeth tend to become brittle and loose their natural resistance to intraoral functional stress. To retain the core to the root, posts are placed in such teeth. This article presents the rationale for placing the posts, reports past results, and discusses the current materials and implementation procedures.

Structural features of salivary function.

Saliva plays an important role in the maintenance of oral health by exhibiting multiple host defense functions. These include homeostatic processes, lubrication, antimicrobial activity, and the control of demineralization/remineralization of teeth. Biochemical studies of saliva and salivary secretions established that specific salivary proteins are responsible for these defense functions.

Free-standing versus implant-tooth-interconnected restorations: understanding the prosthodontic perspective.

The surgical and prosthetic protocols for use of dental implants were originally developed for the treatment of complete edentulism. Implants are now widely used to treat partial edentulism, but the necessary adjustments to the prosthetic protocol have been developed largely on a trial-and-error basis. This paper reviews the efficacy of commonly used restorative techniques for partially edentulous arches and relates these techniques to Brånemark's original prosthetic protocol.

Comparative analysis of two techniques for soldered connectors.

The aim of this study was to compare and analyze gas torch and an infrared technique as a heat source. Ney Oro B2, Ney Eclipse and Ney 76 alloys were selected for this purpose. Sixty standardized rods were invested, cast, and sectioned from their respective sprue buttons.

Fixed prosthodontics in the elderly population. Life expectancy of fixed restorations, failures, and retreatment methods.

The restorative needs of older dental patients challenge the ingenuity, anatomic knowledge, artistic skills, occlusal philosophies, and material knowledge of the clinician. Achieving the most secure foundation while simultaneously eliminating imperfections and incorporating a design that promotes good oral hygiene and a natural and attractive appearance are significant contributors to a patient's welfare. The treatment decision regarding fixed prosthodontics for elderly patients requires the balancing of two opposing arguments: 1.

Effects of temporary cementation on permanent cement retention to composite resin cores.

This in vitro study compared the effects on retention of base metal cylindrical retainers placed on composite resin cores when pretreated with eugenol and noneugenol temporary cements. Sixty composite cores and base metal cylindrical retainers were tested. The cores were pretreated with eugenol and noneugenol temporary cements before eventual cementation with resin and zinc phosphate cements.

Salivary cystatin SA-III, a potential precursor of the acquired enamel pellicle, is phosphorylated at both its amino- and carboxyl-terminal regions.

Cystatin SA-III was purified from human submandibular/sublingual glandular secretions by adsorption to hydroxyapatite, gel filtration chromatography, and reversed-phase HPLC. The amino acid sequence of its amino-terminus was deduced by sequential Edman degradation and found to be identical to the first 10 residues of cystatin HSP-12. The purified protein was digested with endoproteinase Asp-N and the digestion products were subjected to fast atom bombardment mass spectroscopy.