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Purpose: To demonstrate the predictability of flapless surgery using navigation surgery. Materials and Methods: Computer-generated preoperative implant planning was compared to actual placement by CT (computerized tomography) scanning of patients before and after surgery. Once pre-and postoperative coordinates of virtual implants were obtained, linear distances and angles were calculated. Coronal and apical errors consisted of the shortest distance from the preoperative planning to the postoperative overlay. Results: Fourteen implants were placed in 6 patients who received CT scans before and after implant placement. Preoperative implant planning using software was compared to actual placement. The average discrepancy of the head of the implant was 0.89 mm ± 0.53 SO (range, 0.32 to 1.96). The average discrepancy of the apex of the implant was 0.96 mm ± 0.50 SO (range, 0.25 to 1.99). The average angle discrepancy and standard deviation were 3.78 degrees ± 2.76 SO (range, 0.60 to 9.87). Conclusion: Optical computerized navigation is vulnerable to technological and technical errors. Yet, the present case series suggests that less than 1 mm of mean linear deviation and less than 4 degrees of angular deviation might be attainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is the latest addition to the variety of alveolar ridge augmentation procedures used to increase the volume of bone prior to implant placement. Thirty DO procedures were performed in 30 patients using 17 intraosseous and 13 extraosseous devices to augment deficient alveolar ridges. Fifty-five implants placed in the distracted bone were followed for a period of 34 to 60 months after loading. Five implants failed, for a 90.9% success rate. Vertical augmentation ranged from 3.5 to 13.0 mm (average, 7.8 mm). At least one complication was encountered, requiring additional hard or soft tissue surgery, in each of the 30 reported cases. This paper reviews complications encountered in the DO-treated patients, suggesting solutions and measures to prevent these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This blinded, randomized, controlled pilot investigation is the first to histomorphometrically compare vital bone formation following bilateral sinus grafting with a biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) (Straumann Bone Ceramic) to an anorganic bovine bone matrix (ABBM) (Bio-Oss) 6 to 8 months following graft placement. Twelve patients were selected. Following elevation of the lateral sinus walls, one material was placed in the right sinus and the other material was placed in the left sinus, as determined by randomization. Six to 8 months after grafting (with the same time frame used for each patient), a trephine core was taken from the grafted area and sent for histomorphometric analysis. Cores were obtained from 21 healed sinuses in 12 patients. Nine patients provided bilateral cores. Histomorphometric analysis of 10 BCP cores and 11 ABBM cores revealed an average vital bone content of 28.35% and 22.27%, respectively. The average percentage of residual graft particles was 28.4% in the BCP cores and 26.0% in the ABBM cores. The difference in vital bone formation was not significantly different (n = 9 patients, paired t test) between bilateral sinuses treated with the BCP and those treated with the ABBM. Histologically, both materials appeared to be osteoconductive and support new bone formation. Future studies are needed to confirm the ability of this regenerated bone to support dental implant maintenance over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports on the results of the use of a screw-retained narrow-diameter implant (NDI) system as an option for implant placement in areas of limited bone volume. This retrospective report followed 48 NDIs in 27 patients for 1 to 5 years postloading. No implant failures were reported, yielding a 100% survival rate. The screw-retained attribute of this system allows retrievability of the restorations, which may require replacement because of porcelain fracture, chipping, or a desire to change color. The three diameters available--1.8 mm, 2.2 mm, and 2.4 mm--allow flexibility for a variety of narrow edentulous spaces. These NDIs present a cost-effective alternative for restoring limited spaces with implant restorations, without the bone augmentation or orthodontic procedures required for conventional fixed restorations. The NDI system is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for long-term use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present blinded, randomized, controlled investigation histomorphometrically evaluated the vital bone formed following bilateral grafting with two different materials--Puros, a mineralized cancellous bone allograft (MCBA), and Bio-Oss, an anorganic bovine bone matrix (ABBM)--at 26 to 32 weeks following graft placement. Thirteen patients were selected who required bilateral sinus augmentation. Following elevation of the lateral sinus walls, one material was placed in the right sinus and the other in the left sinus, as determined by randomized choice. Twenty-six to 32 weeks after grafting (the same time frame was used for each individual patient), a trephine core was taken from the previously elevated lateral wall area and sent for histomorphometric analysis. Cores were obtained from 22 healed sinus augmentations in 11 patients. Eight patients provided bilateral cores, two patients had intact MCBA cores but inadequate ABBM cores, and another patient had an intact ABBM core but an inadequate MCBA core. Histomorphometric analysis of 10 MCBA cores and 9 ABBM cores revealed average vital bone content of 28.25% and 12.44%, respectively. The average percentage of residual nonvital bone was 7.65% in the MCBA cores and 33.0% in the ABBM cores. Significantly more bone was formed in the MCBA sites (n = 8 patients, paired t test). Histologically, both MCBA and ABBM particles were surrounded by new bone, osteoid, and osteoblasts. A higher average percentage of new vital bone was seen around the MCBA particles than around the ABBM particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Transitional implants (TIs) were developed as a method of providing fixed provisional restorations for the implant patient who wishes to avoid removable temporary restorations during implant healing. Success of TIs depends on achieving sufficient osseointegrated bone-to-implant contact (BIC) during the provisional prosthesis phase. To date, little data are available on the degree of BIC of these implants in function. The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate the BIC of TIs following various periods of loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histologic analysis of 33 immediately loaded implants from 21 patients was performed. All TIs had turned machined surfaces and were made of commercially pure titanium (grade 1). These transitional implants were in function for an average of 10.8 months (range: 6 to 27 months). Before the definitive restoration was provided, all of the TIs were removed with trephine drills and sent for hard tissue histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: The average percentage of BIC was 52.9% +/- 13.81% (range 25.1% to 83%). DISCUSSION: Although TIs are traditionally removed when the definitive implants are restored, the BIC and clinical integration of the TIs in the present study may suggest a change in TI protocol. Studies are indicated to examine long-term use of TIs as sole support or in conjunction with definitive implants in definitive implant-supported restorations. CONCLUSION: The percentage of BIC achieved with TIs was similar to that documented in the literature for conventional turned, machine-surfaced implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar las medidas de bioseguridad aplicadas durante la COVID-19 en los servicios que brinda el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal del Cantón Chone en el período 2020-2021. Se aplicaron los métodos inductivo, deductivo, analítico y sintético. En la primera etapa, a través de una entrevista se identificaron las medidas de bioseguridad que se emplearon en los servicios brindados. En la segunda etapa, mediante la aplicación de encuestas a la ciudadanía, se determinó que los servidores públicos no estaban capacitados para este tipo de situaciones, lo cual ocasionó la paralización en las actividades de ciertos departamentos. En la tercera etapa, para el diseño del plan de mejora se tomó en consideración los resultados. Se concluye que es importante aplicar las medidas de bioseguridad para que así la prestación de los servicios a la localidad sea adecuada y segura.

The technique of immediate implant placement after extraction has been conceived for preserving residual bone support and soft tissue morphology. Today, this procedure is still unpredictable and presents inconveniences for both the patient and the dentist. Therefore, the healing process around a dental implant placed into an extraction socket needs to be deeply investigated to increase the predictability of this surgical approach. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the healing of bone defects (fresh extraction sockets) after implant installation with flap elevation, and primary closure compared with implant installation without flap elevation. This study use histologic and histomorphometric analyses to evaluate tissue healing around dental implants with marginal bone defects with and without flap elevation 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after implantation in the dogs. The main qualitative findings showed that after 1 week of implantation almost no bone repair was observed, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of bone-healing performance, inflammatory infiltrates (slight to moderate grade), and bone resorption (moderate to marked grade) limited to the coronal portion of the implanted sites. The 2 groups with or without flap elevation behaved similarly at this point of implantation. Under the experimental conditions of this study, no biological differences were observed between the 2 groups with and without flap elevation in terms of crestal bone repair, inflammation, marginal bone loss, and soft tissue downgrowth. The qualitative differences observed might be imputable to fortuitous events. The histomorphometric measurements confirmed the qualitative trends observed. The limitations of this study, as with all animal studies, are its translational aspects. Investigation of the same topic in a human population by setting up a controlled, randomized, prospective trial including a sufficient amount of patients investigated according to the split-mouth method would be beneficial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Mucograft (MG; a porcine-derived purified collagen membrane) to increase the thickness and height of the buccal soft tissue when placed at the time of implant placement in patients with thin or deficient keratinized tissue (KT). The primary endpoint of the study was the change in thickness and height of the buccal KT. Secondary endpoints included stability of the midbuccal soft tissue level; clinician rating of color, texture, and contour of treatment site; probing pocket depths (PPDs); assessment of satisfaction outcome; and patient assessment of pain/discomfort. Thirty-two patients were enrolled and 31 patients completed the study. There were no statistically significant (SS) differences between the MG and control groups for height measures. There was no SS difference for KT thickness (P = .117) between the groups at the final measurement (3 months postsurgery). However, there was an SS difference (P = .009) in favor of the MG group when comparing the difference in presurgical KT thickness to that 3 months postsurgery. Thus, MG was successful (compared to the control) in increasing the buccal KT. There were no SS differences between the groups for any of the other endpoints, including color, texture, contour, and pain assessment at any visit or successful outcome between the treatment group and the control. More cases and longer follow-up of implants placed with MG are needed to verify the results of this randomized prospective study.

Purpose: To analyze crestal bone loss changes that may affect the gingival height around an implant and bone loss in interproximal areas. When implants are placed adjacent to one another, interimplant bone loss around 1 implant may combine with the implant bone loss around the adjacent implant to affect the crestal bone loss interproximally., Materials and Methods: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate histologically and histomorphometrically the effect that this implant design with a horizontally displaced implant-abutment junction has on the height of the crest of bone, between adjacent implants separated by 2 different distances: 4 mm and 3 mm. A secondary objective was to evaluate the percentage of bone-to-implant contact, interproximal soft tissue height, location of the junctional epithelium, and length of connective tissue contact to abutment and/or implant, for the 2 different distances., Results: Results showed that the interproximal bone loss measured from the edge of the implant platform to the bone crest was not different for interimplant distances of 4 or 3 mm. In addition, the secondary objective parameters also demonstrated similar results between the 2 interimplant distances., Conclusion: This study showed that interimplant bone levels can usually be maintained at similar levels for 4- and 3-mm distances during at least 2 months.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of inter-implant distance on interproximal bone utilizing platform switching. Analysis of interproximal bone usually depends on traditional two-dimensional radiographic assessment. Although there has been increased reliability of current techniques, there has been an inability to track bone level changes over time and in three dimensions. Micro-CT has provided three-dimensional imaging that can be used in conjunction with traditional two-dimensional radiographic techniques., Methods: This study was performed on 24 female minipigs. Twelve animals received three implants with an inter-implant distance of 3 mm on one side of the mandible and another three implants on the contra-lateral side, where the implants were placed 2 mm apart creating a split mouth design. Twelve other animals received three implants with an inter-implant distance of 3 mm on one side of the mandible and another three implants on the contra-lateral side, where the implants were placed 4 mm apart creating a split mouth design too. The quantitative evaluation was performed comparatively on radiographs taken at t 0 (immediately after implantation) and at t 8 weeks (after termination). The samples were scanned by micro-computed tomography (μCT) to quantify the first bone to implant contact (fBIC) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV). Mixed model regressions using the nonparametric Brunner-Langer method were used to determine the effect of inter-implant distance on the measured outcomes., Results: The change in bone level was determined using radiography and its mean was 0.05 mm for an inter-implant distance of 3 and 0.00 mm for a 2 mm distance (P = 0.7268). The mean of this outcome was 0.18 mm for the 3 mm and for 4 mm inter-implant distance (P = 0.9500). Micro-computed tomography showed that the fBIC was always located above the reference, 0.27 and 0.20 mm for the comparison of 2-3 mm (P = 0.4622) and 0.49 and 0.34 mm for the inter-implant distance of 3 and 4 mm (P = 0.1699). BV/TV inside the defined parallelepipedic masks reached 82.38% for the 2 mm inter-implant distance and 85.00% for 3 mm, P = 0.8432. For the comparison of the 3-4 mm inter-implant distance, the means were 84.69% and 84.38%, respectively, P = 0.8401. Non-inferiority tests for the smaller inter-implant distances for both comparisons showed similar differences and similar tolerance ranges., Conclusion: The effect of a smaller interproximal distances between implants on bone level, fBIC and BV/TV assessed by two convergent investigation methods, radiology and μCT, was similar to that of larger distances. Implants can potentially be placed 2 mm apart instead of 3 mm and 3 mm apart instead of 4 mm when platform switching is utilized. Further research with a conventional platform is warranted., (© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

The purpose of this study was to assess vital bone formation at 4 to 5 months and 7 to 9 months following sinus augmentation with anorganic bovine bone matrix (ABBM) with and without recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF). Twenty-four subjects received bilateral sinus elevation surgery with ABBM on one side and ABBM and rhPDGF on the contralateral side. Twelve patients had core sampling at 4 to 5 months and 12 patients at 7 to 9 months postoperatively. In subjects with cores taken at 4 to 5 months, mean vital bone, connective tissue, and residual graft were 11.8%, 54.1%, and 33.6%, respectively, with ABBM alone. Cores of sinuses filled with ABBM and rhPDGF showed mean 21.1% vital bone, 51.4% connective tissue, and 24.8% residual graft. Paired t test showed a statistically significant difference in vital bone. In cores taken at 7 to 9 months, the values for ABBM alone and ABBM + rhPDGF were 21.4% vs 19.5% vital bone, 28.4% vs 44.2% connective tissue, and 40.3% residual graft vs 35.5%. There was no statistically significant difference in vital bone at 7 to 9 months after surgery. Test and control groups showed clinically acceptable levels of vital bone both at 4 to 5 months and 7 to 9 months postsurgery. However, vital bone formation was significantly greater in the 4- to 5-month sections of ABBM + rhPDGF vs the Bio-Oss alone. In the 7- to 9-month specimens, this difference disappeared. More rapid formation of vital bone with the addition of rhPDGF may allow for earlier implant placement.

Background: Implants restored according to a platform-switching concept (implant abutment interface with a reduced diameter relative to the implant platform diameter) present less crestal bone loss than implants restored with a standard protocol. When implants are placed adjacent to one another, this bone loss may combine through overlapping, thereby causing loss of the interproximal height of bone and papilla. The present study compares the effects of two interimplant distances (2 and 3 mm) on bone maintenance when bone-level implants with platform-switching are used., Methods: This study evaluates marginal bone level preservation and soft tissue quality around a bone-level implant after 2 months of healing in minipig mandibles. The primary objective is to evaluate histologically and histomorphometrically the affect that an implant design with a horizontally displaced implant-abutment junction has on the height of the crest of bone, between adjacent implants separated by two different distances., Results: Results show that the interproximal bone loss measured from the edge of the implant platform to the bone crest was not different for interimplant distances of 2 or 3 mm. The horizontal position of the bone relative to the microgap on platform level (horizontal component of crestal bone loss) was 0.31 ± 0.3 mm for the 2-mm interimplant distance and 0.57 ± 0.51 mm above the platform 8 weeks after implantation for the 3-mm interimplant distance., Conclusions: This study shows that interimplant bone levels can be maintained at similar levels for 2- and 3-mm distances. The horizontally displaced implant-abutment junction provided for a more coronal position of the first point of bone-implant contact. The study reveals a smaller horizontal component at the crest of bone than has been reported for non-horizontally displaced implant-abutment junctions.

The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical study was to compare the survival of a one-piece anodically oxidized surface implant when placed with a flapless or flap protocol. Bone loss measurements on radiographs and changes in clinical probing depths 1 year post-definitive restoration placement were recorded and compared. Fifty-two of 60 patients (implants) remained in the study at the 1-year follow-up. At the time of final evaluation, no implant was lost in either group. At the time of placement of the definitive restoration, there was a mean mesial and distal bone gain in both groups compared to bone levels present at the time of implant insertion. There were no significant changes in bone levels between placement of the definitive restoration and those recorded 12 months later, and no significant differences in bone levels between the flap or flapless group at 6 or 12 months were noted. No significant differences were seen either in pocket depth or change in pocket depth at 6 and 12 months in the flapless and flap groups. It was therefore concluded that one-piece anodically oxidized surface implants, 1 year post-definitive restoration insertion, had high survival rates (100%) and stable marginal bone and probing depth levels whether a flapless or flap protocol was used for implant insertion.

This literature and clinical review identifies and evaluates the various techniques for removing failed, fractured, or peri-implantitis-affected nonmobile implants. The article also discusses the limitations and complications that may arise with the various techniques during removal procedures. Based on specific clinical factors such as anatomical conditions, implant design, condition of implant connection, bone quality, and remaining amount of bone integrated to the implant body, a decision tree is proposed to help clinicians determine the most appropriate minimally invasive technique.

Background: Before bariatric surgery, we demonstrate a 96% rate of vitamin D deficiency in morbidly obese French patients: should supplement intake be routinely prescribed? We conducted a prospective observational study to demonstrate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in morbidly obese patients awaiting bariatric surgery., Methods: Clinical and biological data were collected on 50 successive patients., Results: Data showed vitamin D deficiency in 96% (25-OH vitamin D = 31 ± 13 nmol/l), with a cut-point of 50 nmol/l. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was found in 44% of patients with hypovitaminosis D (parathyroid hormone (PTH), 59 ± 24 pg/ml). Impaired PTH level concerned 89% of this group, considering the cut-point at 30 pg/ml. No significant correlation appeared between vitamin D and calcium or phosphate levels., Conclusions: Before surgery, we demonstrated a higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency in morbidly obese French patients as compared to the general population. The incidence was also higher than previous American studies. Screening for hypovitaminosis D may routinely be considered in morbid obesity. Long-term observation is, however, needed to assess the advantages and potential side effects of systematic vitamin D supplements.

Background: The introduction of implants into the field of dentistry has revolutionized the way we evaluate edentulous ridges. In an attempt to evaluate the deficient edentulous ridge, numerous classification systems have been proposed. Each of these classification systems implements a different approach for evaluating and planning treatment for the ridge deficiency., Purpose: The purpose of the present investigation was to propose a restoratively driven ridge categorization (RDRC) for horizontal ridge deformities based on an ideal implant position as determined through implant simulation, utilizing computed tomography (CT) scan images., Materials and Methods: Radiographic templates were developed to capture the ideal restorative tooth position. Measurements were performed using CT scan software in a cross-sectional view and by virtual placement of a parallel-sided implant with a 3.25-mm diameter., Results: Edentulous ridges were divided into five groupings: Group I, simulated implants with at least 2 mm of facial bone, accounted for 19.4% of ridges; Group II, simulated implant completely surrounded by bone, with less than 2 mm of facial plate thickness, accounted for 10.4% of ridges; Group III, wherein dehiscences are detected but no fenestrations are present, accounted for 33.3% of ridges; Group IV, wherein fenestrations are detected but no dehiscence is present, accounted for 6.3% of ridges; and Group V, wherein both dehiscences and fenestrations are present, accounted for 30.6% of ridges., Conclusion: The use of RDRC indicates that a high number of cases in the maxillary anterior area would require augmentation procedures in order to achieve ideal implant placement and restoration.

Background: Primary and tension-free closure of a flap is often required after particular surgical procedures (e.g., guided bone regeneration). Other times, flap advancement may be desired for situations such as root coverage., Methods: The literature was searched for articles that addressed techniques, limitations, and complications associated with flap advancement. These articles were used as background information. In addition, reference information regarding anatomy was cited as necessary to help describe surgical procedures., Results: This article describes techniques to advance mucoperiosteal flaps, which facilitate healing. Methods are presented for a variety of treatment scenarios, ranging from minor to major coronal tissue advancement. Anatomic landmarks are identified that need to be considered during surgery. In addition, management of complications associated with flap advancement is discussed., Conclusions: Tension-free primary closure is attainable. The technique is dependent on the extent that the flap needs to be advanced.

Ridge expansion techniques have been acknowledged to offer several advantages in the correction of ridge deformities. The expanded defect heals in a similar manner to an extraction socket. In selected cases patients can wear their dentures after surgery. Secondary surgical sites are not a prerequisite, and simultaneous implant placement can be achieved during ridge expansion. The limitation of this technique lies in its inability to create bone vertically. Therefore, it is not indicated for the correction of vertical defects. The application of the split ridge expansion technique has been reported in the literature as it pertains to partially edentulous deficient ridges. The purpose of this article was to present the application of the split ridge expansion technique in the fully edentulous maxilla and discuss the distinction between the immediate or one-stage approach and the delayed or two-stage approach. Histologic results are discussed. Two case reports demonstrate the results that can be obtained with this technique.

The provisional phase of treatment can be the most challenging aspect of implant dentistry. The techniques available today include removable, tooth-supported, and implant-retained provisional restorations. The selection of the type of provisional prosthesis should be based on esthetic demands, functional requirements, duration, and ease of fabrication. This article includes a review of 118 articles from peer-reviewed journals published in English from January 1986 to February 2007. This review was performed using MEDLINE. The indications, advantages, and disadvantages of the various provisional restorations are discussed.

Endosseous dental implants have traditionally been placed using a two-stage surgical procedure with a 6- to 12-month healing period following tooth extraction. In order to decrease healing time, protocols were introduced that included immediate implant placement and provisionalization following tooth extraction. Although survival rates for this technique are high, postoperative gingival shrinkage and bone resorption in the aesthetic zone are potential limitations. The two case reports described herein present a surgical technique for the preservation of anterior aesthetics that combines minimally invasive extraction, immediate implant placement, provisionalization, and the use of implants with a laser micro-grooved coronal design.

To obtain optimal and predictable aesthetics, deficiencies caused by soft and particularly hard tissue loss can be managed by various methods, such as orthodontic tooth eruption, socket preservation, and guided bone regeneration. However, in complex cases, these methods are often insufficient. Here, the authors introduce advanced concepts in aesthetic implant dentistry, such as "Aesthetic Site Foundation", "Aesthetic Guided Bone Regeneration" and "Implant Rectangle" that will guide the clinician in the quest to optimal aesthetic outcomes.

Oral rehabilitation using two to four implants to support mandibular overdentures has been shown to have success rates of approximately 96% with implants placed in a one- or two-stage procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate 10 consecutive cases of immediately loaded, narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) as support for overdentures in severely atrophic mandibles, and report on implant/prosthetic survival rates and patient satisfaction. Overall implant and prosthetic survival rates were 94.1% and 100%, respectively.

Unlabelled: Clinicians are often confronted with changes in the anatomy of the local site following tooth extraction. Successful management of the extraction socket can be challenging, particularly in the aesthetic zone. Proper management is necessary to ensure that the implant used to support a prosthesis will remain stable. This article will recommend a classification system for various types of extraction sockets. A simple, noninvasive approach to the grafting and management of sockets when soft tissue is present but the buccal plate is compromised following tooth extraction will also be discussed., Learning Objectives: This article discusses a classification system for extraction sockets and a noninvasive approach for grafting. Upon reading this article, the reader should: Understand the proposed classification system, which addresses three different types of sockets. Become more familiar with the steps involved in a socket-repair technique for Type II sockets.

Background: The use of impression copings to make the final impression results in a master cast in which the soft tissue configuration around the implant platform is circular. Therefore, any soft tissue sculpting developed clinically by the provisional restoration is squandered., Purpose: The purpose of this report was to present a method for the precise transfer of the peri-implant soft-tissue developed by a customized provisional restoration to an emergence profile cast., Materials and Methods: The emergence profile cast is obtained from an impression of the implant-supported provisional restoration and poured with a soft tissue model material. It is used for the fabrication of the emergence profile of the implant abutment and the cervical section of the crown., Conclusion: The technique described is simple, accurate, predictable, and does not require additional chair time for the customization of the impression coping or the fabrication of a new provisional restoration., Clinical Significance: This article describes a technique that results in an implant restoration that mimics accurately in its emergence profile that of the carefully crafted and customized provisional restoration. The reproduction of the soft tissue contour from the provisional to the final restoration results in an improved esthetic outcome of the final restoration.

The purpose of the present study, which used anorganic bovine bone (Bio-Oss) with and without autogenous bone as the augmentation material, was to compare the results of sinus elevation performed without a membrane (control) with the results of sinus elevation performed with either a short-term bioabsorbable membrane (Bio-Gide) or a nonabsorbable membrane (Gore-Tex) with regard to both vital bone formation and implant survival. Sinus lifts were performed on 51 patients (38 unilateral, 13 bilateral) with the delayed placement of 135 implants. Histomorphometric data were obtained at the time of implant placement, 6 to 10 months following the grafting procedure. Vital bone formation was 17.6%, 16.9%, and 12.1%, respectively, for the Bio-Gide, Gore-Tex, and no membrane groups. Of the 135 implants placed there were 3 failures (2 Bio-Gide, 1 Gore-Tex). There was no significant difference between the membrane groups as to vital bone formation and implant survival.

Neural damage leads to a transient or persistent alteration, depending on the severity or type of injury sustained. During the last decade, many investigators reported on paresthesia related to dental implants. In this case report, the patient had presented repeatedly with swelling and suppuration, showing typical signs of peri-implantitis. In addition, the implant was placed in proximity to the mental foramen and possibly had traumatized the mental nerve because the patient had had an altered sensation on his left side for the past 4.5 years. After removal of the implant, a significant diminishing of the paresthesia had occurred, described by the patient as a 40% improvement. Further improvement occurred at 6 and 9 months. In this case report, the findings differ from the current literature in that the return of sensation occurred following a prolonged state of paresthesia. This report documents 2 unique findings. First, an area of persistent paresthesia significantly improved 50 months after the initial injury, upon the removal of the offending implant. Second, the placement of another implant in the same vicinity did not result in recurrent paresthesia.

Purpose: Knowledge of the blood supply to the sinus is of importance in sinus augmentation, both as it pertains to vascularization of the sinus graft and as its location relates to the position of the required lateral osteotomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of the endosseous branches of the maxillary artery in the area of the proposed lateral window., Materials and Methods: Fifty computerized tomographic (CT) scans from 625 available patients undergoing sinus augmentation surgery at the New York University Department of Implant Dentistry were chosen at random for evaluation. In those cases where the maxillary artery could be identified, measurements were taken to determine the distance between the alveolar crest and the lower border of the vessel., Results: The vessel was radiographically identified in 51.4% of right sinuses and 54.3% of left sinuses in the 50 CT scans. The average height of the artery from the alveolar crest was 16 mm (+/- 3.5 mm)., Discussion: and, Conclusions: Because of its location, the intraosseous artery has the potential to cause bleeding complications in approximately 20% of normally positioned lateral window osteotomies. Although a previous anatomic study on cadavers identified the vessel in 100% of the specimens, it could only be visualized in 53% of the CT scans in the present series.

Purpose: This study compares implant survival and patterns of implant failure in periodontally compromised and periodontally healthy patients., Materials and Methods: In a private periodontal practice, over a 13-year period, implants were placed in both periodontally compromised and periodontally healthy patients. Implants were classified in 5 different groups according to surface texture. Survival rates in each group were compared according to implant location, diameter, length, and phase of treatment., Results: A total of 1,511 implants were placed in 334 patients. One hundred fifty-one of these patients, classified as periodontally compromised patients (PCP), received 923 implants. The remaining 183 patients, classified as periodontally healthy patients (PHP), received 588 implants. The overall survival rate for implants placed in the PHP group was 93.7%, compared to 90.6% in the PCP group. The survival rate of hydroxyapatite-coated implants was 92.6% in the PHP group and 81% in the PCP group. The survival rate of the turned-surface implants was similar in both groups., Discussion: Two types of implant failure were identified. The first was failure of the implant to osseointegrate. This type of failure occurred early in treatment and appeared to be related to smooth-surface implants placed in bone of low density. Failures of this type were distributed equally between the PHP and PCP groups. The second type of failure was related to peri-implantitis. It was observed most often with implants with hydroxyapatite surfaces, occurred as the result of a progressive condition, and was most prevalent in the PCP group., Conclusion: Further long-term controlled investigations are needed to determine the influences of implant suface and host susceptibility on implant failure in both PHP and PCP.

Screw loosening is considered to be a common problem with both screw-retained and cemented implant restorations. A wider abutment platform, as well as using a torque driver to tighten specifically designed screws may help prevent this loosening. However, there has been no clinical study evaluating either of these. To longitudinally compare the frequency of screw loosening in standard diameter, (3.75 and 4.0 mm) implant supported prostheses to that of wide diameter, (5.0 and 6.0 mm) implant supported prostheses that were hand tightened, and to evaluate whether using a torque driver would minimize or prevent this problem, if screw loosening occurred. A total of 213 dental implants in 106 patients were included in this prospective longitudinal study. Of the implants 68 were wide diameter and 145 were standard diameter implants. Wide diameter implants showed 5.8% screw loosening, while standard diameter implants showed 14.5% screw loosening after insertion with only hand torquing. When these loose screws were tightened with a torque driver, there was no more loosening of screws. Within the limitations of this study, the wide diameter implants tested showed less screw loosening than the standard diameter implants when hand torqued. Additionally, within the scope of our study, using a torque driver to tighten the screws with the recommended force prevented this loosening from reoccurring in all cases.

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effect on extraction socket healing when an absorbable hydroxyapatite (AH) and a nonabsorbable anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABB) covered with either an acellular dermal matrix allograft (ADMA) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane barrier were left exposed to the oral cavity. Following tooth extraction, a total of 16 sockets in 15 patients with deficient buccal plates of > or =5 mm were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: 1) AH covered with ADMA, 2) AH covered with an ePTFE membrane, 3) ABB covered with ADMA, and 4) ABB covered with an ePTFE membrane. Primary coverage was not attempted or obtained in any of the 16 treated sockets. Six to 8 months postextraction at the time of implant placement, histologic cores of the treatment sites were obtained. These cores were processed, stained with Stevenel's blue/van Gieson's picro fuchsin, and histomorphometrically analyzed. Vital bone, connective tissue and marrow, and residual graft particles were reported as a percentage of the total core. The mean vital bone was 34.5% (AH with ADMA), 41.7% (ABB with ADMA), 27.6% (ePTFE and AH), and 17.8% (ePTFE and ABB). The average percentage of vital bone in the 8 sockets covered with ADAMA was 38% compared with an average percentage vital bone of 22% in the 8 sockets covered with ePTFE membrane barriers. Because of the small number of specimens in the 4 groups, statistical analysis was not possible. However, in this pilot study, ADMA-covered sites resulted in more vital bone present 6 to 8 months postsocket treatment than obtained in the ePTFE-covered sites regardless of bone replacement materials used. Further research is warranted to see if these results show a similar difference in bone-to-implant contact after implant placement.

Background: As patient demand increases for more natural restorations in the esthetic zone, clinicians must have the highest level of skill and knowledge to maintain or reform the interdental papilla between teeth, between implants and teeth, and between adjacent implants. To date, there are no reports that have measured the distance from the contact point to the bony crest between implants. One reason for this may be the fact that, with two adjacent implants, the contact point of the crown can be established at any distance from the gingival margin according to the restorative dentist's specifications. Therefore, in this study, the height of the soft tissue to the crest of bone was measured between two adjacent implants independent of the location of the contact point. The purpose of this study was to determine the range and average height of tissue between two adjacent implants., Methods: A total of 136 interimplant papillary heights were examined in 33 patients by eight different examiners in five private dental offices. After administration of appropriate local anesthesia, a standardized periodontal probe was placed vertically from the height of the papilla to the crest of bone. The measurements were rounded off to the nearest millimeter., Results: The mean height of papillary tissue between two adjacent implants was 3.4 mm, with a range of 1 mm to 7 mm., Conclusions: Clinicians should proceed with great caution when placing two implants adjacent to each other in the esthetic zone. In most cases, only 2, 3, or 4 mm of soft tissue height (average 3.4 mm) can be expected to form over the interimplant crest of bone. These results showed that modification of treatment plans may be necessary when esthetics are critical for success.

A predictable, aesthetic result is sometimes difficult to achieve when two or more adjacent implants are placed in the anterior maxilla. Maintenance of the distance from the interproximal crest of bone to the contact point influences the presence or absence of the interdental papilla. The design of the coronal portion of implants currently in the market and the contour of the implant-abutment junction may further affect the biology and reformation of the papilla between two adjacent implants. Through a series of case reports, parameters influencing implant placement are presented.

The indications for implant dentistry continue to increase, enabling the restoration of partially and totally edentulous patients with greater success and predictability. Recent goals for implant dentistry include simplifying the involved procedures, reducing the duration of therapy for the patient and clinician, and enabling the use of conventional prosthodontic techniques for implant-supported restorations. This article reviews key developments in implantology and highlights the various design characteristics of internal abutment connection implants, demonstrating their clinical application in a detailed case presentation.

Objective: To evaluate early and late morbidity of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity and to assess the efficacy of this procedure by analyzing its results., Summary Background Data: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is considered the least invasive surgical option for morbid obesity. It is effective, with an average loss of 50% of excessive weight after 2 years of follow-up. It is potentially reversible and safe; major morbidity is low and there is no mortality., Methods: Between April 1997 and June 2001, 500 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for morbid obesity with application of an adjustable gastric band. There were 438 women and 62 men (sex ratio = 0.14) with a mean age of 40.4 years. Preoperative mean body weight was 120.7 kg and mean body mass index (BMI) was 44.3 kg. m., Results: Mean operative time was 105 minutes, 84 minutes during the last 300 operations. Mean hospital stay was 4.5 days. There were no deaths. There were 12 conversions (2.4%), 2 during the last 300 operations. Fifty-two patients (10.4%) had complications requiring an abdominal reoperation. Forty-nine underwent a reoperation for minor complications: slippage (n = 43, incisional hernias (n = 3), and reconnection of the catheter (n = 3). Three patients underwent a reoperation for major complications: gastroesophageal perforation (n = 2) and gastric necrosis (n = 1). Seven patients had pulmonary complications and 36 patients experienced minor problems related to the access port. At 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up, mean BMI decreased from 44.3 kg. m to 34.2, 32.8, and 31.9, respectively, and mean excess weight loss reached 42.8%, 52%, and 54.8%., Conclusions: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a beneficial operation in terms of excessive weight loss, with an acceptably low complication rate. It can noticeably improve the quality of life in obese patients. Half of the excess body weight can be effortlessly lost within 2 years.

Edentulism is a major oral healthcare issue for an ever-increasing older population in the United States. Most previous studies examined the success of overdentures supported by splinted implants utilizing clip bars and other types of attachments. This longitudinal study of 10 consecutive patients involves mandibular overdentures supported by nonsplinted implants with ERA attachments. Two-year results indicate that nonsplinted implants can be successfully used with ERA attachments to support overdentures. Each patient reported increased satisfaction with comfort, chewing, retention, and phonetics with the implant-assisted ERA-retained overdenture.

To compare end-stage progression of nephropathy in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic subjects, we prospectively studied 92 patients with advanced uraemia not yet on dialysis (mean age 57.2 +/- 15.0 years), with a serum creatinine level above 200 mumol/L. The study included monthly serum creatinine (SC) measurements and quarterly outpatient follow-up (mean 10.8 +/- 7.1 months, range 1-21). Sixty subjects (65.2%) were diabetic (28 type 1 and 32 type 2). At inclusion, 95.6% of patients had anti-hypertensive medications. Drug category, dosage and combination were similar for both groups. Blood pressure (< or = 130/85 mmHg) and glucose level targets (fasting < or = 7.5 mmol/L and postprandial < or = 10 mmol/L) were obtained in all patients. Initial SC was not significantly different between diabetic and non-diabetic patients (426.5 +/- 189.4 mumol/L vs. 405.1 +/- 201.9 mumol/L). SC increased significantly faster in diabetic than non-diabetic patients (respectively 3.9 +/- 6.1% and 1.5 +/- 4.6% monthly, p < 0.05), with no difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. One-third (33.7%) of all patients started dialysis during follow-up (40% diabetic and 22% non-diabetic). Their weight, body mass index, age, sex ratio, treatment and aetiology were similar. During follow-up, the patients (29.4%) who sustained a major vascular event differed only in age (62.1 years vs. 55.2 years; p < 0.001). In this study, diabetic renal disease worsened significantly faster than other nephropathies, in spite of proper normalisation of blood pressure and glucose level. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and manage Type 2 diabetes early to avoid encumbering dialysis centres with older patients.

Electrical injury is uncommon during surgical laparoscopy, but may be serious. Following a comprehensive literature review, we describe five mechanisms of burn injuries: direct contact, electric arc, insulation failure, direct or capacitive coupling. We discuss these mechanisms and suggest simple preventive measures designed to ensure optimal safety.