An Atraumatic Approach to Internal Sinus Lifting: The Motorized Expansion Drill Technique.

This case series demonstrates internal maxillary sinus elevation and placement of 37 posterior implants in 34 private practice patients using sequential motorized expander burs exclusively to infracture the sinus border and embed bone graft material (allograft or xenograft) for vertical augmentation. With this technique, manual osteotome/malleting was completely avoided, improving surgical control and the patient experience. Sinus borders were lifted by a mean of 3.92 mm in ridges that had an average residual height of 7.52 mm. All implants achieved high insertion torque values (≥90 Ncm), obtained primary stability, and were successfully restored without complications. Anecdotally, the type of bone graft used did not appear to influence the outcome.

Papillary Retention Flap Design for Pocket Reduction/Regeneration: Case Series With Long-Term Follow-Up.

Many papillary preservation flap techniques exist for both resective and regenerative purposes. This article describes a papillary retention design based on palatal access showing a successful long-term outcome. The papilla preservation approach detailed here, which is a modification of Friedman's beveled flap for the palate, circumvents any manipulation of interproximal or buccal tissue, leaving papillary tissue untouched. Indications for this approach are very specific and its application is somewhat limited. However, the aim of the papillary retention flap as discussed is to eradicate pocket depths exceeding 5 mm and possibly regenerate hard and connective tissue in these exclusive locations. This strategy may permit access to the labial portion of the interproximal root in particular cases.

Guided Gingival Growth: Improving Aesthetics During Second-Stage Surgery.

GGG is a conservative, efficient, and relatively straightforward treatment for mild soft-tissue deficits. When applied within its limitations, it may be a valuable tool for aesthetic refinement around dental implants.

Dental Implants.

Dental implants restore function to near normal in partially or completely edentulous patients. A root-form implant is the most frequently used type of dental implant today. The basis for dental implants is osseointegration, in which osteoblasts grow and directly integrate with the surface of titanium posts surgically embedded into the jaw. Radiologic assessment is critical in the preoperative evaluation of the dental implant patient, as the exact height, width, and contour of the alveolar ridge must be determined. Moreover, the precise locations of the maxillary sinuses and mandibular canals, as well as their relationships to the site of implant surgery must be ascertained. As such, radiologists must be familiar with implant design and surgical placement, as well as augmentation procedures utilized in those patients with insufficient bone in the maxilla and mandible to support dental implants.

The dependability of connective tissue grafting for the resolution of full-mouth recession.

Based on its ability to treat a broad range of mucogingival defects and predictability, autogenous subepithelial connective tissue grafting (CTG) remains the standard of care for gingival recession. Its advantages often outweigh the drawbacks, which include the preparation of a second surgical site (typically in the palate) for donor tissue collection and a finite volume of graft material available. Extensive recession requires multiple CTG surgeries and palatal re-entry. This case report documents successful full-mouth CTG performed in four sessions over 3 years. Complete root coverage was obtained around all but one of 24 teeth.