Bone response to functioning implants in dog mandibular alveolar ridges augmented with distraction osteogenesis.

The specific aim of this study was to determine the response of alveolar bone after it was augmented vertically using distraction osteogenesis and subsequently loaded with implant restorations. Four dogs each had four implants placed horizontally into an edentulous mandibular quadrant and, after integration, a distraction osteogenesis device was fabricated in the laboratory. An osteotomy was made to allow the crest of the alveolar ridge to be distracted vertically.

Establishing soft tissue integration with natural tooth-shaped abutments.

The disparity in dimensions between implant fixtures and the exposed extraction sockets has resulted in the development of anatomically shaped abutments. Systems have been recently introduced that facilitate the fabrication of abutments to the configuration of natural teeth in the anterior maxilla. These systems permit development of an aesthetic emergence profile and contours for easy access in maintenance of oral hygiene of maxillary anterior single-tooth implant-supported restorations.

Managing malrelated arches and limited vertical space for implant-supported overdentures: a case report.

Advancements in implant therapy have expanded the prosthetic options available to treat edentulous patients. The dental professional must be able to accurately diagnose the status of the intraoral environmental in order to provide the patient with appropriate treatment and a suitable restorative result. Skeletal relationships, arch malalignment, implant angulation, and ridge morphology must be evaluated during initial treatment planning and incorporated into the definitive prosthetic result.

Prosthetic considerations in the fabrication of surgical stents for implant placement.

The utilization of surgical stents/templates for implant placement is of significant importance to the success of the definitive prosthesis. However, major conceptual differences exist between surgical stents designed for implant-supported crowns and bridges and those designed for implant overdentures. In addition, various types of surgical stents exist within each group.

Intranasal conformers: a case report.

This case report describes the clinical and laboratory procedures in treating a patient that was referred to the dental clinic with the chief complaint of difficulty of breathing through his nose. Examination of the patient revealed constricted nostrils as a result of previous surgeries. It was decided that the patient would benefit from construction of intranasal conformers.

Six-year clinical evaluation of HTR synthetic bone grafts in human grade II molar furcations.

A biocompatible microporous composite of PMMA (poly-methyl-methacrylate), PHEMA (poly-hydroxy-ethyl-methacrylate) and calcium hydroxide bone replacement graft material (Bioplant HTR Synthetic Bone) was evaluated in 16 maxillary molar and 10 mandibular molar Grade II furcations in 13 patients. Following initial preparation, full thickness flaps were raised to gain access to the furcations; mechanical hand and ultrasonic root and defect debridement and chemical tetracycline root preparation were performed; furcation and adjacent osseous defects in each patient were grafted with HTR Synthetic Bone; and the host flaps replaced or slightly coronally positioned. Weekly, then monthly deplaquing was performed until surgical re-entry at 6-12 months.

Iliac apophyseal cartilage augmentation of the deficient piriform rim and maxilla in alveolar cleft grafting.

This article presents a new approach to cleft lip and cleft palate repair, where the retained bulk of alveolar cleft grafts is augmented by simultaneous cartilage augmentation of the deficient maxilla. Nine patients who provided 10 cleft sites underwent secondary bone grafting of the clefted alveolus by this technique. This study evaluates the following: (1) the postoperative esthetic results, (2) the quantity of bone in the grafted area, and (3) the provision of bone support for unerupted teeth, for teeth adjacent to the cleft, and for orthodontic tooth movement when the secondary bone grafting of the cleft is integrated with the onlay augmentation of the deficient maxilla.

Modification of a vinyl glove into a dental dam for patients sensitive to latex rubber.

Dental products containing latex rubber such as rubber dams, gloves, polishing points, prophy cups, blood pressure cuffs, orthodontic elastics, mouth props, intubation tubes, and anesthetic masks have the potential to cause allergic reactions. The clinician should try to identify patients at high risk for latex sensitivity by taking a careful history and, where necessary, using alternative products. This paper describes how a vinyl glove can be easily modified to provide an effective dental dam in patients allergic to latex rubber.

Clinical evaluation of the speed and effectiveness of subgingival calculus removal on single-rooted teeth with diamond-coated ultrasonic tips.

Several studies have found incomplete calculus removal during periodontal treatment with traditional hand curets, sonic, and ultrasonic instruments. This study evaluated the speed and effectiveness of subgingival calculus removal with new diamond-coated ultrasonic tips on single-rooted teeth. Single session subgingival scaling and root planing was performed on 80 teeth with 5 to 12 mm probing depths in 15 patients.

The milled implant-supported prosthesis: a treatment alternative for the edentulous mandible.

The milled implant-supported prosthesis offers the benefits of fixed and removable restorations. Its infrastructure provides the same rigidity as the fixed restoration, due to the precise fit to the superstructure that is removable to promote adequate access for hygiene, yet provides lip support and maintains close contact with the soft tissues. These advantages enhance phonetics, aesthetics, correct lip support, and maintenance.

Root surface removal with diamond-coated ultrasonic instruments: an in vitro and SEM study.

Adequate root preparation in periodontal procedures includes the removal of plaque, calculus, and perhaps contaminated cementum and dentin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the amount of root surface removal and residual surface texture using similarly shaped regular (US) and both fine (FINDIAM) and medium (MEDDIAM) grit diamond-coated ultrasonic inserts. Forty-five (45) premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 teeth each.

A Class II, Division 1 malocclusion: A malocclusion with a significant mandibular arch length deficiency.

The malocclusion had a dental asymmetry that was corrected with the extraction of the maxillary right and left premolars and the mandibular left first premolar. Treatment objectives included: alleviation of maxillary and mandibular arch length deficiencies, maintenance of the maxillary midline conincident with the facial midline, correction of the mandibular midline which was off to the right, overbite and overjet correction, and attainment of a Class I canine relationship on the right side. [This case was presented to the American Board of Orthodontics in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the certification process conducted by the Board.

Maxillary definitive obturators: rationale of design.

Maxillary definitive obturators are usually fabricated for patients who have an acquired defect. The obturators help patients with speech, swallowing, mastication, esthetics and psychological well-being. The main goals in restoring a maxillary defect with a completely edentulous or partially dentate obturator are to provide adequate retention, increased stability and strong vertical support.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal post and core: an esthetic alternative.

Custom cast metal post and cores used to retain all-ceramic restorations are indicated in endodontically treated teeth when little clinical crown remains. The metal cores of these post and core restorations block light transmission and create a graying effect when used in support of all-ceramic restorations. This article describes a technique to minimize this effect using custom cast porcelain-fused-to-metal post and cores to achieve a more natural esthetic result.

Strategies to inhibit formation, plaque buildup.

Some people are more concerned with the appearance of their teeth than with their overall oral health. People want their teeth to look and feel good, and they don't want cavities. More informed patients question dental teams about potential problems such as periodontal disease, oral cancer and, occasionally, temporomandibular disorders.

Technical note. A novel technique for pre-implant radiography using an instant camera system.

Objective: To determine whether an intra-oral photograph could supplant the need for either a plaster model or occlusal radiograph in pre-implant tomographic assessment with the Imaging Sciences 1S-2000 system.

Methods: Instant photographs obtained with the CU-5 instant Polaroid camera of 25 patients' maxillary or mandibular arches were scanned into the computer in lieu of a plaster cast or occlusal radiograph. Tomographs were then exposed and evaluated by the referring dentists.

Host factors affecting disease transmission.

In prevention of transmission of infectious disease, the host uses a variety of protective mechanisms and can elicit many different responses. Nonspecific defense mechanisms include an intact integument (skin and mucous membranes). The host also can use specialized substances it may secrete, such as mucin or fatty acids to prevent colonization or to inhibit growth of potential pathogens.