A Modified Socket-Shield Technique: Simplifying the Root Sectioning Process.

Socket wall resorption leading to a loss of surrounding bone following tooth extraction has been documented in the dental literature. The use of various socket-shield techniques has been suggested as a solution to this issue. In these approaches, the tooth root is sectioned in two, and the coronal two-thirds of the buccal root is preserved in the socket. This allows the periodontium along with the bundle and buccal bone to remain intact, thus preventing or minimizing bone remodeling. According to the literature, this procedure is highly technique sensitive, especially when it comes to sectioning the root. Additionally, the procedure requires significant time, and several complications may occur, such as fenestration or luxation of the remaining root, requiring its complete extraction. This case report presents a modified socket-shield technique using a trephine bur guided by a computer-designed surgical guide to simplify root sectioning, thus reducing surgical time while increasing predictability of the outcome.

Reconstructing Peri-implant and Papillary Soft Tissue in the Esthetic Area Using Interdental Tissue, a Tuberosity Connective Tissue Graft, and a Tunneling Approach: A Case Report.

Long-term survival of dental implants in both fully and partially edentulous patients has been proven successful, as reported in the literature. However, maintenance of soft-tissue quality and volume is often difficult due to the multiple surgeries involved in implant placement and the physiological resorption of bone after tooth extraction. Soft-tissue augmentation is frequently necessary to improve soft-tissue contour and can be done simultaneously with implant or abutment placement or following the final insertion of the implant-supported prostheses. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate a surgical procedure used to augment a peri-implant buccal soft-tissue defect using interdental palatal tissue from a pocket reduction procedure in combination with a distal wedge graft from the tuberosity as connective tissue utilizing a tunneling approach in the esthetic area. The implant restorations in the reported case were delivered 1 year prior to the soft-tissue reconstruction.

Patient-Related Risk Factors for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Procedures: A Systematic Literature Review.

The posterior maxilla has traditionally presented a challenge for successful placement of dental implants due to a combination of poor bone quality, ridge atrophy, and pneumatization of the sinus floor following tooth extraction. However, with the successful and predictable surgical outcomes reported in the literature, more clinicians and patients are choosing an implant-supported restoration in the edentulous posterior maxilla. Consequently, sinus elevation and augmentation have gained more popularity. Extensive research has been conducted on types of bone graft materials and implants, less-invasive techniques to perform sinus augmentation, and timing for implant placement for sinus grafting. Despite the predictability of the techniques and biomaterials employed in sinus grafting procedures, intra- and postoperative complications are common. Much of the current literature discusses the local risk factors related to sinus augmentation, with few studies focusing on the patient-related risk factors. The purpose of this review is to identify, evaluate, and discuss the possible management of patient-related risk factors to allow for more predictable maxillary sinus floor augmentation outcomes.