Evaluation of different methods to clean titanium abutments. A scanning electron microscopic study.

The cleaning effectiveness of different treatment methods for titanium abutments was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the mandible of 4 beagle dogs, 25 titanium abutments were installed (modum Brånemark). After 16 weeks of plaque accumulation, mineralized deposits had formed on 23 abutments. Each of these abutments was subjected to one of the following treatment methods: scaling with (1) metal, (2) plastic, or (3) ultrasonic instruments; (4) air-polishing, (5) weekly rubber cup polishing or (6) daily brushing with a conventional toothbrush. Fourteen abutments were removed immediately after treatment. On 9 abutments, the scaling procedures and air-polishing were repeated after another 16 weeks of plaque accumulation. The abutments were prepared for SEM, and each of them was viewed and photographed at 3 different magnifications. The photomicrographs were evaluated by 3 examiners who, guided by reference pictures, gave each abutment a "cleanliness" score, ranking from 0 to 5. Regular rubber cup polishing and regular brushing resulted in the highest surface cleanliness, while the air-polishing procedure showed the lowest cleanliness score. None of the 3 scaling methods created a cleanliness score better than 3. The 3 scaling methods were considered equal in their cleaning effectiveness. No differences could be observed between surfaces treated 1 x or 2 x. Taken the present findings and those of other studies concerning the effects of scaling on the surface roughness and biocompatibility into consideration, it was concluded that plastic scalers may be the instruments of choice for debridement of titanium implant surfaces.

[The periodontium as peri-implant tissue; a review]. / Het parodontium als peri-implantair weefsel. Een overzicht.

The periodontium around implants shows similarities as well as differences with that of natural periodontal tissues. Periodontal complications around osseointegrated implants vary from gingivitis and gingival hyperplasia to bone resorption which may finally cause the loss of the implant. Those complications are associated with plaque accumulation. Their treatment is similar as for natural teeth affected by periodontal disease. The bacterial flora of peri-implant pockets does not seem to be different from the flora around natural teeth. Many questions concerning the incidence and severity of peri-implant disease remain to be answered.

[Beagle dogs in periodontal research: a review]. / De hond in het parodontologische onderzoek. Een literatuuroverzicht.

This review intends to focus on the role dogs play in periodontal research. Dogs have given insight in the occurrence, the etiology, the pathogenesis and the treatment of periodontal diseases although some differences with humans exist. The occurrence of root resorption, the better healing capacity and the progression rate of periodontitis are among those differences. Knowledge of the periodontal conditions in dogs is required to be able to evaluate the obtained results and its implications for humans carefully. This seems especially true for the ongoing research in tissue regeneration.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Laser procedures.

Laser tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy appear to be gaining popularity. Benefits of such procedures include reduced pain and edema, minimum scar tissue, and hemostasis. The benefits to the surgeon include accuracy and a clear, dry operative field. Recently, some surgeons have used lasers on a routine basis. The role of the perioperative nurse in such procedures is rapidly changing. He or she as a patient advocate must be informed of technical advances as well as benefits, risks, and costs to patients.