Palatal bone support for orthodontic implant anchorage--a clinical and radiological study.
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When maximal anchorage is required during orthodontic treatment, additional aids are often needed to support the anchoring teeth. While intra-oral aids may be limited in their anchorage potential, extra-oral anchoring aids are often rejected by the patients. Endosseous implants may therefore be a valuable alternative for stable intra-oral anchorage. However, the possibility of using conventional implants is insufficient, e.g. for treating purely orthodontic patients with full dentition or where extraction sites are to be closed. Therefore, the mid-sagittal area of the palate is an alternative insertion site for the placement of implants for orthodontic anchorage. The limited bone height in this area inspired this comparison between bone thickness in the implantation site as verified by probing during the implantation of Straumann Ortho-system implants, and thickness as measured on the lateral cephalogram. The results suggest that vertical bone support is at least 2 mm higher than apparent on the cephalogram. In none of 12 patients was a perforation to the nasal cavity found. However, in five subjects the implant projected into the nasal cavity on the post-operative cephalogram. These results were supported by the study of the projections of palate and wires in wire-marked skulls where the wires were placed bilaterally on the nasal floor and on the nasal crest. It is therefore concluded that the mid-sagittal area of the palate lends sufficient bony support for the implantation of small implants (4-6 mm endosseous length, diameter 3.3 mm). (+info)
Diagnostic provisional restorations in restorative dentistry: the blueprint for success.
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There is no question that patients today demand a sophisticated level of restorative dentistry, in terms of both esthetics and function. No elective restorative dentistry should be undertaken without a clear understanding of the patient's expectations and the limitations of restorative therapy. The dentist should have a clear picture in mind of the final results before initiating irreversible therapy. The use of mounted diagnostic casts, diagnostic wax-ups and provisional restorations permits patient acceptance to be obtained before the definitive phase is initiated. Too often the dentist does not take advantage of this important restorative option, with disastrous results when definitive restorations are viewed by the patient for the first time. By following the plan of treatment outlined in this article, such disasters can be avoided. (+info)
Post-extraction remodeling of the adult mandible.
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Following tooth loss, the mandible shows an extensive loss of bone in some individuals. This may pose a significant problem in the prosthodontic restoration of function and esthetics. The many factors which have been proposed as being responsible for the inter-individual variation in post-extraction remodeling mean that a perfunctory analysis of the literature, in which well-controlled, relevant studies are scarce, may not provide the whole story. This article reviews the local and systemic factors which may play a role in the post-extraction remodeling of the mandible. Since severe residual ridge resorption may occur even when the bone status in the rest of the skeleton is good and vice versa, it is concluded that local functional factors are of paramount significance. It is now essential to determine how they can be modified and applied to help maintain ridge height and quality in our aging, edentulous population. (+info)
The Procera abutment--the fifth generation abutment for dental implants.
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The Branemark dental implant has undergone progressive development in terms of both the implant body itself and the components connecting the implant to the prosthesis. Many screw and abutment designs have been developed, with various degrees of success. About 15 years ago, CAD (computer-assisted design)-CAM (computer-assisted manufacture) technology was introduced to dentists. More recently CAD-CAM has been used in the manufacture of abutments for implants. This article reviews currently available techniques for creating the Procera custom abutment (Nobel Biocare, Goteborg, Sweden) and outlines appropriate applications for this type of implant. (+info)
Restoration of endodontically treated teeth with carbon fibre posts--a prospective study.
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BACKGROUND: A prospective study was started in 1995 to evaluate the success of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin (CFRR) posts used to restore endodontically treated teeth. All the teeth in the study had lost more than 50% of their coronal structure. METHODS: Fifty-nine carbon fibre Composiposts cemented with Metabond and built up with Core Paste cores were placed into the teeth of 47 patients. Each tooth received a full-coverage restoration (porcelain fused to metal crown) and was followed for 6.7-45.4 months (average = 28.0 months, standard deviation = 10.7). RESULTS: Results for 52 teeth in 42 patients were analyzed. There were no fractures. The overall failure rate was 7.7% and the cumulative survival rate was 89.6% at the end of the follow-up period. The only statistically significant finding (p = 0.04) was that posts in lower premolars were at higher risk of failure. CONCLUSION: CFRR posts are among the most predictable systems available today. CFRR posts in the upper anterior teeth are associated with a higher success rate and longer life than those placed in premolars, especially lower premolars. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that supports the use of CFRR posts in the restoration of endodontically treated teeth. (+info)
Changing paradigms in implant dentistry.
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This review focuses on five paradigms of implant dentistry which have undergone considerable modifications in recent years. An attempt was made to select and include all the relevant citations of the past 10 years. These five paradigms document the debate in the clinical and scientific community and include the aspects of (1) smooth vs. rough implant surfaces, (2) submerged vs. non-submerged implant installation techniques, (3) mixed tooth-implant vs. solely implant-supported reconstructions, (4) morse-taper abutment fixation vs. butt-joint interfaces, and (5) titanium abutments vs. esthetic abutments in clinical situations where esthetics is of primary concern. (+info)
Integrating posterior crowns with partial dentures.
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This article outlines those considerations which are important in integrating posterior crowns with partial dentures. Planning the support and retention of the denture prior to crown construction will enhance patient treatment. Modification of the crown preparation to incorporate rest seats, retentive areas, guide planes and a planned path of insertion may be necessary. (+info)
Esthetic option for the implant-supported single-tooth restoration -- treatment sequence with a ceramic abutment.
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A single implant-supported restoration is one treatment alternative to consider for the replacement of a missing tooth. Technological advances in materials and machining have led to the development of a densely sintered aluminum oxide ceramic abutment, designed and machined using CAD/CAM technology. This manufacturing method improves management of the subgingival depth of the crown/abutment interface and enhances the esthetic qualities of the restoration. However, since this ceramic abutment has less mechanical resistance than metal abutments, its use should be confined to the restoration of incisors and premolars not subjected to excessive occlusal forces. (+info)