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Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to compare implant prostheses fabricated by computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) with conventionally fabricated implant prostheses when assessing esthetics, complications (biologic and mechanical), patient satisfaction, and economic factors. Materials and Methods: Electronic searches for clinical studies focusing on long-term follow-up were performed using the PubMed and Ovid search engines. Concentrating on the restorative aspect of the CAD/CAM technology applicable to implant dentistry, pertinent literature was divided into articles related to implant abutments, crowns, and frameworks. Results: A total of 18 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. Two articles reported on CAD/CAM crowns, six on abutments, and 10 on implant-supported CAD/CAM frameworks. The mean survival rate for CAD/CAM crowns was 98.85% and for CAD/ CAM abutments 100%. The mean survival rate for CAD/CAM frameworks was 95.98%. Conclusion: Based on the current literature, CAD/CAM fabricated crowns, abutments, and frameworks demonstrate survival rates comparable to conventionally fabricated prostheses. Implant survival appears unaffected by fabrication technique. Since this technology encompasses several manufacturing variations, a new definition might be necessary to accurately define the processes under which the CAD/CAM restorations are fabricated. "Complete CAD/CAM product" where no or minimal manual intervention is employed could be a possible term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates three systematic reviews published in the issue, including reviews of the articles "CAD/CAM Technology for Implant Abutments, Crowns and Super Structures" by Theodoros Kapos and Christopher Evans, "Systematic Review of Survival Rate and Incidence of Biologic, Technical and Esthetic Complications of Single Implant-Supporting Fixed Prostheses" by Anja Zembic, Sunjai Kim, Marcel Zwahlen et al. and "Clinical Performance of Screw Versus Cement-Retained Implant-Supported Fixed Reconstructions: A Systematic Review" by Julia-Gabriela Wittenben, Christopher Millen and Urs Brägger, with consensus statements and recommended clinical procedures regarding restorative materials and techniques for implant dentistry.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the existing scientific evidence on human clinical studies describing the application of computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology in restorative implant dentistry. Materials and Methods: Electronic searches for clinical studies from 1966 through May 2008 focusing on long-term follow-up were performed using the PubMed search engine. Concentrating on the restorative aspect of the CAD/CAM technology applicable to implant dentistry, pertinent literature was divided into articles related to implant abutments and implant frameworks. Results: Of the 885 articles initially reviewed, 5 articles (3 CAD/CAM framework and 2 CAD/CAM abutment) satisfied the search criteria of the literature search performed. Combining the results from the framework clinical trial studies, there were a total of 189 prostheses supported by 888 implants. The follow-up varied between 12 and 60 months. Four implants were lost prior to the insertion of the prosthesis and 46 after the insertion. One prosthesis failure was reported. Similarly, in the 2 abutment clinical trial studies there were a total of 53 ceramic abutments supported by 53 implants. The patients were followed between 12 and 44 months. No significant failures or complications were reported in association with the implants and their restorations. Conclusions: Based on a systematic review of literature concerning CAD/CAM used for fabrication of frameworks and abutments, preliminary proof of concept was established. Clinical studies on the use of these techniques were too preliminary and underpowered to provide meaningful conclusions regarding the performance of these abutments/frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is presented about topics concerning computer assisted implant dentistry which were discussed at the Fourth Consensus Conference, which was sponsored by the International Team for Implantology and was held August 26-28 in Stuttgart, Germany. The conference featured several dental experts including Christoph H. F. Hämmerle, the chairman of the Department of Fixed and Removable Prosthodontlcs and Dental Material Science at, the University of Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland.

Abnormalities of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle are rare but have received increased attention by radiologists in recent years in an attempt to avoid confusion with submental cysts or enlarged submental lymph nodes on CT or MR images. We present a case of bilateral accessory digastric muscles which fuse (partially) with the midline raphe of the mylohyoid muscle. Fibres from the right accessory anterior digastric muscle proceeded to decussate and join the mylohyoid muscle and the contralateral insertion of the digastric muscle. Embryological development and possible clinical consequences are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]