How and when does fabrication damage adversely affect the clinical performance of ceramic restorations?

Objectives: As compared to factory-processed ceramic parts, one unique trait of all-ceramic dental restorations is that they are custom-fabricated, which implies a greater susceptibility to fabrication defects. A variety of processing techniques is now available for the custom fabrication of all-ceramic single and multi-unit restorations, these include sintering, heat-pressing, slip-casting, hard machining and soft machining, all in combination with a final staining or veneering step. All these fabrication techniques, from shaping to firing, are associated with the production of flaws of various shapes and sizes, in conjunction with thermal residual stresses, all of which are capable of inducing failure.

Application of oral implants to the general dental practice.

Background: The use of dental implants has become a management strategy for replacing missing teeth. As new implant surface technologies develop and prosthetic options increase, the field of dental implantology continues to change. General dentists con sidering the use of this treatment modality in their practices should understand the vital role treatment planning plays in achieving predictable outcomes.

Issues and considerations in dental implant occlusion: what do we know, and what do we need to find out?

Implant dentistry continues to struggle with what are the appropriate occlusal concept(s) for implant-supported restorations. The biological and mechanical consequences of the loading environment leads to establishing and maintaining an implant interface in a wide variety of bone quality and quantity, implant and prosthesis designs. To the restorative dentist, the role of occlusion is more focused on extending the service life of the restoration and the connecting abutment(s) than protecting the osseous integration of the implant(s).

Cohort differences among aging populations: a challenge for the dental profession.

The pattern of utilization of oral health services by older adults is changing as more older people maintain their natural teeth. Heterogenicity among persons aged 65 and older is probably greater than in any other period in the life cycle; however, all too often, all age groups over age 65 have been grouped together for program planning or data analysis. The socio-dental and historical influences on five specific age cohorts born between 1905 and 1945 are presented so that dentists may better understand the differences in attitudes and expectations of these individuals when they seek treatment.