Resin-based sealing of root canals in endodontic therapy.

This study evaluated the effect of the obturation technique on leakage, which may be the primary cause of failure in endodontic treatment. The apical seal and leakage behavior of teeth obturated with a resin-based sealer and gutta-percha alternative were compared to conventionally obturated teeth. Sound premolars (N = 10) were instrumented and treated by conventional root canal obturation. A second group (N = 10) was treated with the Resilon-Epiphany system and the remaining 10 roots were divided into two groups (N = 5) and obturated without sealer. A detector electrode was placed coronally in each root in contact with the obturation system and sealed in place and the apices were left patent. The teeth were immersed in 0.9% sodium chloride with a stainless steel counter electrode. A 20V potential was connected between the stainless steel and each tooth in turn with current flow determined by voltage drop across a standard resistor. Leakage was followed for 30 days and statistically analyzed for differences between groups. All teeth in Groups 1, 3A, and 38 (p > 0.05) leaked at 30 days. In Group 2, four roots showed no leakage, five roots showed minimal leakage, and one root exhibited a leakage current at a greater magnitude than the others in the group. A significant difference (p < 0.005) was found between Groups 1 and 2 but not between Group 1 and Groups 3A and 3B (p > 0.05) or between Group 2 and Groups 3A and 3B.

Improving implant framework passive fit and accuracy through the use of verification stents and casts.

Passive fit of implant frameworks is related in part to the accuracy of the master cast. A method of fabricating a verification stent to check the accuracy of the master cast prior to waxing and casting the implant framework is discussed. The methods utilize routinely available materials and do not require any special instrumentation or equipment. The stent can be fabricated either by the laboratory or the dentist.

Bar overdentures utilizing the Locator attachment.

Implant-retained overdentures are a restorative option for both the fully and partially edentulous arches. A new attachment, the Locator, which features a reduced interarch requirement and the advantage of built-in guide planes providing precise insertion, is described. The Locator is an advancement in attachment technology, with an improved design combined from the best features of a ball attachment, an ERA attachment, and a cap attachment.

Computerized milled solid implant abutments utilized at second stage surgery.

Single tooth restoration with implants traditionally has been complicated due to the difficulty in achieving ideal emergence profile and crown form. The Atlantis milled abutment overcomes these difficulties, utilizing CAD/CAM technology to develop a customized milled abutment with ideal emergence profile and shape to simplify crown fabrication.

Fabrication of a single-appointment emergency overdenture using failed fixed prosthetics: a case report.

A single appointment fabrication of an emergency overdenture is described. The technique was used in the treatment of a failed implant-supported fixed bridge that was unable to be reinserted due to fractured components and a lack of passive fit. This technique may also be used for the treatment of a failing natural dentition as well as an implant prosthesis.

Aesthetic enhancement of anterior dental implants with the use of tapered osteotomes and soft tissue manipulation.

An adequate bone base is usually a prerequisite for functionally and aesthetically optimal reconstruction of the soft tissue architecture around a dental implant. In patients with sufficient bone height but insufficient bone width as a result of tooth loss, a jaw enlargement technique with osteotomes combined with soft tissue manipulation may be utilized to facilitate proper implant placement while concomitantly optimizing the aesthetics of the final implant prosthesis. The learning objective of this article is to familiarize the reader with the principles of ridge expansion with tapered osteotomes combined with periodontal plastic soft tissue surgery to aid in proper implant placement and enhance the aesthetic result of the final prosthesis.

The subperiosteal implant as a viable long-term treatment modality in the severely atrophied mandible: a patient's 40-year case history.

Subperiosteal implants have been a treatment modality for atrophied edentulous mandibles for almost 50 years. A case is presented tracing a patient's 40-year history with treatment of his severely atrophied fully edentulous mandible with a subperiosteal implant and removable implant-borne prosthesis. The subperiosteal implant should be considered as a long-term treatment option in those patients who are unable to wear a lower full denture due to resorption of the ridge and osseous defects that provide inadequate bone for placement of endosseous blade- or root-form implants. This case demonstrates the long-term viability of the subperiosteal implant.