Tapered Implants in Dentistry: Revitalizing Concepts with Technology: A Review.

The most common approach to lessen treatment times is by decreasing the healing period during which osseointegration is established. Implant design parameters such as implant surface, primary stability, thread configuration, body shape, and the type of bone have to be considered to obtain this objective. The relationship that exists between these components will define the initial stability of the implant. It is believed implant sites using a tapered design and surface modification can increase the primary stability in low-density bone. Furthermore, recent experimental preclinical work has shown the possibility of attaining primary stability of immediately loaded, tapered dental implants without compromising healing and rapid bone formation while minimizing the implant stability loss at compression sites. This may be of singular importance with immediate/early functional loading of single implants placed in poor-quality bone. The selection of an implant that will provide adequate stability in bone of poor quality is important. A tapered-screw implant design will provide adequate stability because it creates pressure on cortical bone in areas of reduced bone quality. Building on the success of traditional tapered implant therapy, newer tapered implant designs should aim to maximize the clinical outcome by implementing new technologies with adapted clinical workflows.

Fiber-reinforced framework in conjunction with porcelain veneers for the esthetic replacement of a congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisor: a case study.

This article presents a case of a congenitally missing right maxillary lateral incisor and the contralateral incisor with discolored composite resin restorations. The technique of fiber reinforcement in conjunction with porcelain veneers was used to provide a satisfactory outcome for the patient. The key learning points of the article are the following: proper diagnosis, treatment plan and appropriate utilization of materials are mandatory for a successful result.

Esthetic, biologic and restorative considerations in coronal segment reattachment for a fractured tooth: a clinical report.

Reattachment of a fractured clinical crown involving minimal invasion of the biologic width can be accomplished without conventional ostectomy and crown lengthening so that satisfactory esthetics can be achieved. Adhesive techniques sometimes in conjunction with traditional mechanical retention, such as a post, can be used to reattach the fractured segment. An esthetic result can be obtained with a minimal number of procedures and cost to the patient.

Ceramic inlay fabrication with three-dimensional copy milling technology--Celay.

Efforts to improve the physical properties of ceramic materials have resulted in the development of restorations that are machined from preformed ceramic blocks. Celay is a system that uses micromilling technology to prepare these ceramic blocks for fabrication of inlays, onlays, veneers, and crown restorations. Celay restorations can be luted, using advances in composite adhesive techniques. These restorations are exceptionally esthetic because of a "chameleon effect," and they exhibit a high degree of marginal accuracy. A clinical case, included in this article, illustrates the technology and use of this innovative restorative system.

Use of a clear matrix to minimize finishing of a posterior resin composite.

This article describes the use of a clear matrix to duplicate the original occlusal anatomy before placing a posterior resin composite. The technique minimizes finishing procedures after the resin composite is placed.

One visit composite onlay utilizing a new flexible model material.

Fabrication of a composite inlay/onlay utilizing a flexible model is described as a direct alternative to direct composite placement.

Ceramic optimized polymer: the next generation of esthetic restorations--Part 1.

An abundance of new materials and techniques that challenge the clinician to recommend and provide the appropriate restoration for each clinical situation have been developed in the last decade. A new generation of materials, described by manufacturers as ceramic optimized polymers, have been recommended for a wide variety of restorations including inlays/onlays, crowns and bridges, and direct restorations. In this article, the appropriate preparation and luting technique for inlays/onlays are delineated. The use of ceromer inlays/onlays for teeth exhibiting symptoms of the partially fractured tooth is demonstrated.

Microleakage of Class V composite, resin sandwich, and resin-modified glass ionomers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in vitro the extent of microleakage of Class V cavities restored with composite, and resin-modified glass ionomers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class V cavities were prepared in 35 extracted teeth and randomly divided into seven groups of five teeth each (10 restorations in each group). Group 1: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Adhesive (SMP) and restored with Z100 resin placed with an incremental technique, Group 2: Lined with GC Fuji lining LC and restored with SMP and Z100. Group 3: Based with Fuji II light-cured glass ionomer restorative and restored with SMP and Z100. Group 4: Lined with Vitrebond and restored with SMP and Z100. Group 5: Based with Vitremer and restored with SMP and Z100. Group 6: Restored with Fuji II LC. Group 7: Restored with Vitremer. The teeth were subjected to thermocycling, stained with silver nitrate, then longitudinally sectioned. Dye penetration at the tissue/restoration interface was scored based upon the extent and location of the precipitated silver. RESULTS: All groups demonstrated minimal or no microleakage at both the enamel and gingival sites.

Esthetic restoration of a single-tooth implant using a precision ceramic coping.

Previously, osseointegrated implants were used almost exclusively for edentulous arches. In recent years, the development of abutments has allowed more esthetic restorations of single and multiple abutments. The recent introduction of a precision ceramic coping for single-tooth implants has enabled the restorative dentist to achieve a highly esthetic result. Proper treatment planning, surgical-guide fabrication, and technique of placement for the various components are addressed in this article.

Coronoradicular rehabilitation with a carbon-fiber post.

Endodontically treated teeth present a myriad of problems because of coronal destruction from caries, previous restorations, and coronal access. Previously, a post was considered necessary to strengthen a tooth and to resist intraoral forces. However, recent research has indicated that not all endodontically treated teeth require a post, core, and crown. Each clinical situation must be evaluated and the need for a post and/or the appropriate post determined. The recent introduction of a carbon-fiber post may reduce some of the problems inherent with metal posts. Proper placement, advantages, and disadvantages are discussed.