Placement of Short Implants: A Viable Alternative?

The placement of short implants, which measure less than 10 mm in length, requires the practitioner to have a thorough comprehension of implant dentistry to achieve acceptable results. Innovation of the rough-surface implant and the progression of the implant-abutment interface from an external hex to an internal connection have considerably influenced the longevity of short implants. Dentists are better equipped to serve their patients because the utilization of short implants may preclude the need for advanced surgical bone-grafting procedures.

Guided Implant Surgery: A Technique Whose Time Has Come.

Guides used in dental implant surgery add accuracy and an overall predictability. Successful guided implant workflow depends on 3-dimensional image acquisition and precise medical model fabrication. The contemporary process blends acquired images to existing dentition to create implant-specific precise guides. We discuss the overall process, types of guides, and complications to expect during surgery.

Intraoral Scanner, Three-Dimensional Imaging, and Three-Dimensional Printing in the Dental Office.

The use of 3-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging in the dental office has become a common imaging modality. The authors present an overview of multiple treatments that would benefit from the use of this technology. From preoperative, intraoperative, to postoperative patient management, 3D technology plays a vital role in the dental practice. With the incorporation of 3D CBCT, intraoral scanners, and 3D printing, a dental provider can accurately plan and execute the treatment with greater confidence. The contemporary dentist, however, has many options for incorporating the digital workflow based on the specific practice needs.

Composite three-layer closure of oral antral communication with 10 months follow-up-a case study.

PURPOSE: We propose a 3-layer composite closure technique for an oral antral communication (OAC) while avoiding secondary donor site morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A patient had developed a 1-cm OAC after extraction of right maxillary first molar. The patient subsequently developed acute maxillary sinusitis. The patient was taken to the operating room, and a Caldwell-Luc procedure was performed. The bony window from the Caldwell-Luc was "press fit" over the bony OAC defect. Soft tissue closure was then achieved with a buccal fat pad flap and a buccal mucosal advancement flap. The patient was examined on postoperative day 5 and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The acute sinusitis had resolved. The soft tissue closure was successful. The bone graft remained intact, prevented sinus pneumatization, and restored continuity to the floor of the maxillary sinus. CONCLUSIONS: The presented technique for 3-layer closure of OACs allows for the stability of a double-layer closure of OAC with the added benefit of bone grafting from single operative site, achieving stable oral antral closure, bone grafting, and the avoidance of secondary donor site morbidity.

Epistaxis and hemostatic devices.

Epistaxis is a common medical problem that rarely requires surgical intervention. However, when medical or surgical intervention is required, epistaxis can sometimes be difficult to control. Knowledge of nasopharyngeal anatomy is absolutely essential to the proper management of epistaxis. This article begins with a discussion of the essential anatomy of the region and the basic epidemiology of epistaxis, followed by a review of initial treatment as well as devices and procedures specifically designed for the control of epistaxis. Advances and new devices for the control of epistaxis are described.

Preoperative evaluation of the surgical patient.

A thorough preoperative evaluation to identify correctable medical abnormalities and understand the residual risk is mandatory for all patients undergoing any surgical procedure, including oral surgery. Routine preoperative evaluation will vary among patients, depending on age and general health. This article addresses the preoperative evaluation of surgical patients in general, and the evaluation for general anesthesia in the operating room.