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Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the quality of life of patients with oral cancer after intraoral ablative surgery. Patients and Methods: Eighty-five consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth were enrolled in the study. Reconstruction of intraoral soft tissues was accomplished by local tissue (67.8%), jejunal grafts (16.9%), and cutaneous and myocutaneous flaps (15.3%). Soft tissue resections were combined with resections of the alveolar process of the mandible in 35.0% and mandibular discontinuity resections in 31.7% of the cases. A self-administered, standard questionnaire consisting of 22 visual analog scale items with a maximum index value of 154 was used to determine the physical functional status, the psychological status, and social functioning of cancer patients (Functional Living Index—Cancer). The questionnaire was administered preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results: The Functional Living Index score increased significantly toward the end of the first postoperative year because of an increase in all three factors of the scale. All modes of soft tissue reconstruction achieved nearly equal levels of life quality in patients with median or lateral defects at the end of the observation period. Only patients with large bilateral defects exhibited lower preoperative and postoperative values because of extensive loss of functionally important soft tissue. Patients with discontiunuity resections of the mandible took longer to regain the same level of life quality as patients without bone resections. Persistence of dysphagia, reflux of fluids, limitations to liquid food, and sleep disorders had a significant negative effect on the score. Conclusions: It is concluded that rehabilitation of oral cancer patients is particularly difficult in the case of large soft tissue defects and is not always accomplished completely even with primary microsurgical tissue repair.

The effect of a collagen gel matrix as a submembranous space-maintaining material was evaluated in guided tissue regeneration procedures. In 4 dogs, contralateral surgical circular fenestration defects, 5 mm in diameter, were produced at the midbuccal aspect of the alveolar bone in 8 maxillary canines. Removal of bone, PDL and cementum was complete. Experimental sites were filled with collagen gel and covered with collagen membranes; control sites were covered with collagen membranes and the underlying space was spontaneously filled with blood. Mucogingival flaps were repositioned. Histological and histomorphometric observations, 6 weeks post-surgery, indicated that defects covered by collagen membranes presented the most impressive regeneration with almost complete coverage of the denuded root by new cementum (98.4%) and new bone (63.2%). In the experimental defects, 83.5% coverage of new cementum with only 21.9% new bone regeneration was observed. These results suggest that collagen gel, interfered with healing by PDL and bone-derived cells in the submembranous space.

With the advent of titanium, root form implants and osseointegration, dental treatment has undergone a metamorphosis in recent years. These new techniques enable dentists to provide anchorage for various kinds of prostheses that improve masticatory function, esthetics, and comfort for patients. Implant treatment protocols have been improved relative to implant macro- and micro-geometries, surgical and prosthetic components, and treatment times. Over the past 20 years, immediate occlusal function (also known as loading) has been established as a predictable treatment modality, provided certain specific criteria are met. In many cases, edentulous patients, crippled by the loss of their teeth, can undergo outpatient surgical and prosthetic procedures and return to a masticatory function that is near normal--sometimes after only one day of surgical and prosthetic treatment. This treatment option is also available for patients with advanced, generalized periodontal disease. Computer-assisted design/Computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has transformed how dental prostheses are made, offering improved accuracy, longevity, and biocompatibility; along with reduced labor costs and fewer complications than casting technologies. This article reviews the principles associated with immediate occlusal loading and illustrates one specific accelerated prosthodontic treatment protocol used to treat edentulous and partially edentulous patients with interim and definitive prostheses.

The evaluation of alveolar bone healing may have a role in dental implantology, in prosthodontics in the post-extraction phase and in monitoring fracture repair. There are several radiological techniques described to evaluate alveolar bone regeneration. However, most are expensive and time consuming.To develop and evaluate a radiological method utilising readily available equipment to measure alveolar bone regeneration.An apparatus was designed to enable the acquisition of standardized x-ray images, consisting of a disposable impression tray, digital positioning system, aluminum step wedge, digital x-ray sensor, Rinn apparatus and laboratory putty. Bone biopsies were collected from each oral quadrant in each of five Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). Accurately standardised x-ray images of the biopsy sites were taken pre-operatively, directly post-operatively and again after three and six week intervals. These images were analysed using a graded histogram provided in a computer software program.The average gray-scale value on the histogram of the selected biopsy area was determined on the series of standardised images. The average values for the three biopsied sites per quadrant were expressed as percentages of pre-operative density. The results ndicated a mean ncrease of 6.3% (+/- 1.4%) (mean +/- 1 SEM) in bone density after three weeks and 12.6% (+/- 1.7%) six weeks post-operatively.A standardised radiologica examination method was developed which, together with a computer ised evaluation technique, could be applied to accurately determine relative bone density. This method was shown to provide comparative bone density values during the regeneration process of alveolar bone over a six week period.

Maxillary complete arch fixed implant-supported prostheses are a popular treatment option for edentulous patients. Excessive gingival display or gummy smile in edentulous patients is relatively uncommon. However, many partially edentulous patients or completely dentate patients with compromised dentition and excessive gingival display may seek a fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Some of these patients may be candidates for immediate implant placement and insertion of the prosthesis, while others may carry over their preexisting excessive gingival display to the edentulous state for a variable period of time. Both types of patients require meticulous treatment planning and often require additional preprosthetic interventions before the placement of dental implants. This report provides an overview of the etiology, diagnosis, treatment planning, and options for management of patients with excessive gingival display who seek a maxillary complete arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis.

This article describes a team approach for periodontal and restorative treatment intended to produce a predictable, biologically sound outcome that preserves more supporting bone and restores carious and broken down teeth. The goal of periodontal treatment, when performed in conjunction with restorative dentistry, is to provide restorative dentists with a high percentage of tooth structure that allows for a supragingival margin. An equally important goal is to ensure that an adequate thickness of connective tissue exists to create an environment more resistant to trauma and inflammation. The team approach consists of a restorative phase and a surgical phase. The restorative phase involves preparation with complete caries removal, adhesive core buildups, and provisionalization. The surgical phase involves biologic shaping of the roots and judicious osseous resection. Case studies are used to demonstrate the team approach.

The effect of unilateral posterior malocclusion on temporomandibular joint intra-articular pathology was studied in sheep. In Group I, osteoarthritic changes were induced in the left temporomandibular joint by gentle scraping of the articular surface (Ishimaru and Goss, 1992). Group II had the same procedures as Group I, with concurrent extraction of all the left maxillary posterior teeth. Group III had a different osteoarthritic precondition in the left temporomandibular joint, allowing synovial fluid to contact the condylar marrow (Ishimaru et al., 1992). Group IV had the same procedure as Group III, with concurrent extraction of all the left maxillary posterior teeth. Group V had unilateral maxillary molar teeth extraction in the left side. At 3 months, the animals were sacrificed and the joints examined histologically. There were no significant differences between normal control joints and those with unilateral tooth extraction (Group V). Similarly the degree of osteoarthritic change was the same between Groups I and II. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were seen between Groups III and IV with tooth extraction increasing the osteoarthritic effects. Hence it was concluded that in sheep, malocclusion had no effect on the normal temporomandibular joint and on one type of experimental osteoarthritis, but accelerated osteoarthritic change in another model.

Aim The purpose of this study was to analyse and compare right angled and curved osteotomy design on stress distribution and to determine an osteotomy design which decreases the risk of pathologic fracture. Patients and methods Solid mathematical model of the mandible was created by three dimensional finite element analysis and two different osteotomy, right angled and curvilinear osteotomy was performed on model. 150 N incisal force vertically and 250 N molar force to the angulus area oblically were applied. The effects of osteotomy types to the stress formation and risk of fracture between models were evaluated. Results Right angled osteotomy causes much more stress in the posteroinferior quadrant and mainly localized on the horizontal and vertical osteotomy intersection area. On the other hand, the distribution of the stress on curvilinear formed osteotomy shows posteroinferior localization and stress spreads wider area. Furthermore the amount of stress was less than right-angled one. Conclusion In this study, curved osteotomy denominated less stress distribution. The shape of osteotomy might be a factor to decrease the risk of postoperative atrophic mandible fracture.

Various forms of periodontal therapy, including surgery, have been advocated and documented in the dental literature during the last three centuries. This variety of treatment modalities has been developed to address the anatomical consequences (pocket formation and bone loss) sustained from chronic periodontal disease. The marked differences in techniques have created significant controversies between the greatest leaders in dentistry and their equally influential disciples. Nevertheless, these leaders have always shared a common goal: the preservation of the natural dentition in a harmonious environment of health, comfort, and proper function. This article discusses the history of periodontal osseous surgery, including not only the technical issues, but also the conceptual underpinnings of this form of therapeutic intervention. In the process of examining this subject closely, three main controversies in the field of periodontics are brought into sharper focus: non-surgical versus surgical periodontal therapy; gingivectomy versus osseous resective periodontal therapy; and the nature of clinical decision-making: scientific and evidenced-based versus subjective clinical judgement.

The aim of the present study was to compare the pre-emptive use of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor with a well established steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for pain and edema relief following periodontal surgery for crown lengthening. Thirty patients requiring periodontal surgery were randomly assigned to receive one of the following medications: selective COX-2 inhibitor or steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, 60 min before the surgical procedure. To examine patient anxiety, a Corah's dental anxiety scale was applied before surgery. Using a visual analog scale, the extent of pain/discomfort during the trans-operative period and immediately after the surgery was measured. Additionally, intensity of pain/discomfort and edema were examined 4, 8, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. With regard to anxiety, no statistical differences between the groups were observed (p>0.05). With respect to the extent of pain/discomfort during the trans-operative, immediate and late postoperative period, data demonstrated no significant differences (p>0.05) between the COX-2 inhibitor and steroidal groups. With regard to edema, intragroup analysis did not reveal any statistically significant difference (p>0.05) during the 24 h following surgery in either group. In conclusion, both anti-inflammatory drugs presented a similar potential for pain and edema relief following periodontal surgery. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a utilização pré-emptiva de medicamento inibidor da COX-2 (cicloxigenase-2) com uma droga antinflamatória esteroidal amplamente utilizada, para o controle da dor e edema após cirurgia periodontal para aumento de coroa. Trinta pacientes que necessitavam de cirurgia periodontal foram aleatoriamente designados a receber uma das seguintes medicações: inibidor seletivo da COX-2 ou a droga antinflamatória esteroidal, 60 min antes do procedimento cirúrgico. Para avaliar a ansiedade do paciente, a escala de ansiedade ao tratamento dental de Corah foi aplicada antes da cirurgia. Com a utilização de escala analógica visual a extensão de dor/desconforto durante o período trans-cirúrgico e imediatamente após a cirurgia foi mensurada. Adicionalmente, a intensidade de dor/desconforto e edema foram avaliados no periodo pós-operatório tardio 4, 8, 12 e 24 h após o procedimento cirúrgico. Com relação à ansiedade, não foi observada diferença estatística entre os grupos (p>0,05). Com relação à extensão de dor/desconforto durante os períodos trans-cirúrgico e pós operatório imediato e tardio, os dados não demonstraram diferenças entre o grupo que recebeu o inibidor seletivo da COX-2 e o aintinflamatório esteroidal (p>0,05). A avaliação do edema, intragrupo, não revelou diferença estatística durante as primeiras 24 h em nenhum dos grupos estudados (p>0,05). Em conclusão, ambas as drogas antiinflamatórias utilizadas apresentaram um potencial similar no controle da dor e edema após cirurgia periodontal.

This study was designed to compare bone regeneration of tissue-engineered bone from adipose-derived stem cell and autogenous bone graft in a canine maxillary alveolar cleft model. In this prospective clinical trial, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from subcutaneous canine adipose tissue. Undifferentiated cells were incubated with a 3 mm 3 mm 3 mm hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffold, in specific osteogenic medium for 21 days. Four mongrel dogs were prepared by removal of two of the three incisors bilaterally and a 15 mm defect in bone was created from crest to nasal floor. After healing, repair was followed by a tissue engineered bone graft from adipose- derived stem cells on one side and corticocancellous tibial auto graft on the other side. Bone regeneration was evaluated by histomorphometry on days 15 and 60 after implantation. The data were analysed with descriptive and t test methods (a = 0.05). Bone formation on the autograft sides was higher than on the stem cell sides at 15 and 60 days, 45% and 96% versus 5% and 70%, respectively. Differences between the two groups at 15 and 60 days were significant (p = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). Although autograft is still the gold standard for bone regeneration, tissue engineered bone may provide an acceptable alternative.

Introduction The objective of this article was to present a surgical treatment option for teeth with incomplete vertical root fracture in maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth. Methods Four cases are presented in which 1 endodontically treated maxillary or mandibular molar had an incomplete vertical root fracture involving 1 of the roots. The tooth underwent a flap elevation procedure to visualize the pattern of bone loss and assess the extent of root fracture. The fracture line was eliminated by resecting the root in a beveled manner, after which root-end preparation and root-end filling were performed by using mineral trioxide aggregate. The osteotomy was covered with an absorbable collagen membrane. Cases were followed up for 8–24 months after surgery. Results The procedure was shown to be predictable and successful in this series. Root length was preserved, and tooth extraction was avoided. Conclusions The microsurgical treatment option for multirooted teeth with incomplete vertical root fracture resulted in long-term clinical success.

As part of the paradigm shift toward more minimally invasive surgical procedures, increasing numbers of references to laser-mediated flapless crown lengthening are noted in the published literature. The vast majority of these references are noncontrolled case reports or technique-focused articles. Therefore, prospective, randomized controlled studies that objectively examine the safety and efficacy of flapless crown lengthening are lacking. The current case series represents an initial attempt to examine some of the clinical issues posed by this minimally invasive flapless approach. Ultimately, only well-designed controlled clinical trials can yield the type of evidence-based data necessary to categorize this approach to crown lengthening as standard-of-care treatment.

The biologic width provides a tight seal around the tooth, protecting the periodontium from microbial injury and promoting periodontal health. However, clinical situations such as subgingival caries and crown-root fracture may compromise the biologic width dimension. Crown lengthening is a surgical technique that can be used to re-establish this important landmark in order to maintain periodontal health and long-term stability of the restorations.A full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap is elevated to expose the bone and root surfaces. Debridement of the bone and root surfaces is completed and the crown preparation finalized, ensuring that at least 3 mm is between the restorative margin and alveolar bone crest. This guarantees preservation of the biologic width. The crown preparation is subsequently provisionalized to protect the tooth structure and promote soft-tissue healing.Using the immediate temporization crown-lengthening (ITCL) technique, the crown preparation is finalized and impressions can be obtained during the surgical phase. This not only shortens the patient visits but also allows for the fabrication of a restoration of a good fit. The patient also receives a provisional restoration, which provides protection of the tooth structure and restores function and esthetics during healing.ITCL is a simple, straightforward, and predictable approach that can be easily incorporated into the daily practice of many dentists.

The aim of the present study was to compare periodontal healing after successive removal of periodontal tissue components, from the alveolar bone to the dentin surface. The prevailing tissue reaction when adhering PDM was left on the exposed roots was that most of the bone tissue that had been removed from the buccal surfaces had regenerated and the integrity of the PDM between the new alveolar bone and cementum surface had been reestablished. On exposed etched cementum surfaces, 2 prevailing healing results were recorded. In half the number of the roots, the root surfaces were covered by connective tissue with fibers running parallel to the root surfaces in a capsule-like arrangement. The other prevailing reaction was a thin epithelial cell-lining running parallel to the root surfaces in close contact or partly penetrating the adjacent connective tissue. On exposed denuded dentin surfaces, gingival retraction was a constant finding, associated with an epithelial cell-lining of varying thickness sometimes with rete pegs and cyst-like formations. Gingival retraction was also a constant finding on etched dentin surfaces. This was associated with pathological pockets outlined by epithelial cell-layers of varying thicknesses. The significance of these findings were discussed with special emphasis on dynamics of recurrent periodontitis.

We present a patient who underwent alveolar reconstruction using vertical mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis under unfavorable conditions. Part of the alveolar bone in the center of the mandible was resected, together with a squamous cell carcinoma located on the oral floor. We used vertical mandibular lengthening from the region of the remaining mandible inferior to the bony defect to reconstruct the alveolus, combined with a free musculocutaneous flap as a cover. However, the transferred flap underwent complete necrosis and was replaced with another flap on the seventh postoperative day. Radiotherapy at a total dose of 50 Gy was administered from day 75 to day 109 after completion of the distraction, because of suspected residual tumor. Despite the severe conditions, most of the distraction gap became filled with new bone. This case indicates that distraction osteogenesis can be used even in irradiated or poorly vascularized areas, as in our patient.

Introduction: Obtaining hemostasis in the surgical crypt during periradicular surgery is essential. It allows for improved visibility and contributes to a dry environment suitable for the placement of moisture-sensitive root-end filling material. Although current materials may not be moisture sensitive during setting, hemostasis is important for proper placement of root-end filling materials during apical surgery. A new hemostatic agent, HemCon dental dressing (Patterson Dental, St Paul, MN), may improve upon the efficacy of wound healing and hemostasis both in extent and time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic effect of HemCon in osseous wound sites and evaluate the wound healing potential and percentage of new bone formation in osseous crypts treated with HemCon. Methods: A split-mouth design was used with random allocation of sham and experimental sites in 12 rabbits. In experimental sites, either HemCon or 15.5% ferric sulfate was applied to osseous crypts created with a round bur. Hemostatic efficacy was evaluated using predetermined scores. Rabbits were sacrificed at 21 days, andtissueswereharvested andprepared forhistologic evaluation. A blinded pathologist scored samples relative to inflammation. The percentage of new bone deposition was calculated using NIS Elements software (Nikon Instruments Inc, Melville, NY). Results: There wasnostatisticalsignificantdifferenceinhemostaticefficacy or wound healing between HemCon and ferric sulfate (P > .05). The HemCon group showed a significantly higher percentage of new bone deposition compared with the controls (P < .01). Conclusions: HemCon shows promise as an adjunct to the endodontic surgical armamentarium. (J Endod 2011;37:807‐811)

Introduction This experimental study was designed to evaluate how the rate of dentoalveolar distraction into a bony defect affects bone quality and quantity. Methods Using 6 adult foxhound dogs and a randomized split-mouth design, we evaluated the differences between regenerate bone produced by distracting segments of bone containing the second premolars at either 1 or 2 mm per day for 5 days, followed by a 6-week consolidation period. Microcomputed tomography was used to evaluate bone density, percent bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular separation, and trabecular thickness. Results The lingual aspect of the regenerate exhibited more bone than did the buccal aspect, and all but one of the 12 specimens showed less than 1 mm of vertical bone deficiency in the regenerate area. No differences were found between the 1-mm per day and the 2-mm per day rates for bone density, percent bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular separation, and trabecular thickness. With the exception of trabecular separation on the 2-mm per day side ( P = 0.030), there were no statistically significant differences between the mesial, middle, and distal segments of the regenerate. Compared with control bone, the regenerate bone was less dense, and had less bone volume, a higher trabecular number, and approximately half the trabecular thickness. Conclusions Bone regenerate produced by rates of 1 and 2 mm per day of dentoalveolar distraction was similar in quality and quantity. Although less mature, the size and shape of the regenerate bone produced by rapid dentoalveolar distraction was comparable with the control bone.

The authors conducted a literature review regarding the rationale, basic surgical principles, contraindications and wound healing associated with periodontal crown-lengthening surgery. They present a report of a clinical case illustrating crown lengthening with osseous resection.The authors evaluated clinical and radiographic studies, as well as literature reviews. They selected only publications that pertained to the surgical exposure of the natural dentition to facilitate restorative therapy, esthetic concerns or both.Periodontal crown lengthening can be used for esthetic enhancement in the presence of delayed passive eruption. Moreover, for teeth with subgingival caries, fractures or both, this treatment can establish a biological width and, if needed, a ferrule length facilitating prosthetic management. Crown-lengthening surgery involves various techniques, including gingivectomy or gingivoplasty or apically positioned flaps, which may include osseous resection. Authors of wound-healing investigations have reported that an average of 3 millimeters of supragingival soft tissue will rebound coronal to the alveolar crest and can take a minimum of three months to complete vertical growth.Initiation of final prosthetic treatment should wait at least three months and possibly up to six months for esthetically important areas, as the free gingival margin requires a minimum of three months to establish its final vertical position. Dentists must be aware that osseous resection could affect periodontal stability and may pose a contraindication to crown-lengthening therapy.

Our objective was to find out if the extraction of deciduous teeth at the sites of clefts 3-8 weeks before alveolar bone grafting (ABG) would reduce the number of postoperative complications. Chart reviews were reviewed retrospectively of patients who had had ABG from March 2006 to June 2009. To reduce variables only healthy, non-syndromic, cooperative patients were included. Eleven patients had had their deciduous teeth extracted at the cleft sites 3-8 weeks before ABG and 10 patients had had the extractions done intraoperatively at the same time as ABG. There was a single case of postoperative infection and no wound dehiscence in the preoperative extraction group, and there were no delays in postoperative orthodontic treatment. In the intraoperative group there were 3 cases of local wound infection and 6 cases of minor dehiscence, and orthodontic treatment was delayed for 3-6 months in all patients with complications. All patients had successful ABG, eruption of teeth, and orthodontic treatment; but patients who had their deciduous teeth at the cleft sites extracted preoperatively had fewer wound complications than patients whose extractions were done at the same time as the ABG.

Eruption disturbance of a permanent tooth is challenging to clinicians. Eruption failure of a posterior tooth causes lateral open bite that severely interrupts function. This case report describes the treatment of nonerupting permanent molars by segmental repositioning followed by orthodontic fine adjustment. Two nonerupting permanent molars at different eruption stages were repositioned with a one- or two-step single-tooth segmental osteotomy technique. Final location of the repositioned tooth-alveolar bone segment was adjusted via orthodontic means.

The treatment planning, clinical stages and construction of immediate dentures pose challenges to both dentist, dental technician and patient. In this two-part series, the various principles for successfully providing patients with immediate dentures will be discussed. This first paper examines the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the treatment planning involved in providing immediate dentures.Although the provision of immediate dentures is common in dental practice, it is a treatment option which is not without problems. This article will show how careful planning, prior to treatment starting, can prevent unforeseen complications occurring.

The aim of this article was to present the treatment of an unesthetic smile in a 27-year-old woman showing gingival recession, gingival asymmetry, and an altered passive eruption in the natural dentition. First, an apically positioned flap with osseous resective surgery was applied to correct the gingival asymmetry at the maxillary right incisors. The amount of bone resection was determined by means of bone sounding at the maxillary left incisors. Six weeks later, a coronally advanced flap procedure was performed to cover the gingival recession at the maxillary right canine, along with an enamelplasty and a direct composite resin restoration. The patient was satisfied with the final treatment outcome.

A survey was carried out to record both initial and longterm effects on the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves following third molar removal. Eight hundred and twenty five patients were included from eight West of Scotland Oral Surgery Units, and had 1339 third molars removed. Changes in sensation were recorded by direct questioning at 6 to 24 h and 7 to 10 days, and by postal questionnaire at 12-18 months. The incidence of lingual nerve damage was found to be 15% of operated sides at 6 to 24 hours, 10.7% at 7 to 10 days, and 0.6% after 1 year. The incidence of inferior alveolar nerve damage was 5.5% of operated sides at 6 to 24 h, 3.9% at 7 to 10 days, and 0.9% after 1 year. These results are proposed as an indication of the likely incidence of nerve damage complicating third molar removal in the general circumstances of current United Kingdom practice and are presented as a basis for discussion of patient information and current prudent practice. Since one in four patients suffered at least temporary sensory deficit, we believe the case for effective warning of all patients undergoing impacted third molar removal is overwhelming.

Excisional wounds were made in the maxillas and mandibles of rhesus monkeys, and the osseous wound-healing responses at postsurgical intervals ranging from 1 to 28 days were evaluated by light microscopy. The excisional defects were initially filled with a coagulum which was subsequently replaced by granulation tissue emanating from the endosteal tissues. Cortical and trabecular bone forming the wound edges was devitalized, as evidenced by an absence of osteocytes in the peripheral lacunae. At 14 days postsurgery, woven bone trabeculae occupied most of the defect, with the more superficial trabeculae in direct contact with a thick band of dense fibrous connective tissue separating the osseous defect from overlying mucosal tissues. Within the defect, new bone was deposited on devitalized bone without evidence of preceding osteoclastic activity. At 28 days, the woven bone trabeculae were more mature and a functioning periosteum was now active in repair of the cortical plate.

The purpose of this article is to present a minimally invasive technique using the implant drills to help extract teeth before the insertion of immediate implants.Nine patients (7 women and 2 men) aged 24 to 60 years having root fractures and dental caries were included in this study. Inclusion criteria for the study were presence of at least 4 mm of bone beyond the root apex, the absence of acute signs of infection or inflammation in the treatment area, and the absence of systemic pathologies that would contraindicate bone healing around implants. Heavy smokers were not included in the study. Extraction was done after thinning the root walls by the help of the implant drills. After extraction, implant sites were prepared and implants were inserted. In 2 of the cases, the peri-implant bone defect was filled with autogenous bone graft.Healing progressed uneventfully in all 9 cases. The use of implant drills to thin the root walls provided atraumatic tooth extraction protecting the thin buccal bone. At second stage surgery, all implants were asymptomatic, immobile, and osseointegrated. The soft tissue anatomy was clinically acceptable in all patients. Radiographic examination of all 9 implants showed no peri-implant radiolucency at the end of a year.Successful osseointegration and complete bone healing were observed for all patients. The new extraction technique was found to be effective in immediate implant cases in order not to damage the thin plate of buccal bone.

Extensive exposure of the gingiva during a smile, called excessive gingival display, may be a point of concern for both patients and clinicians. Patients often present to the dental clinic seeking a solution to their "gummy" appearance. A clinician must fully understand the various factors involved in this situation, to provide patients with an appropriate answer. Thorough examination followed by the right diagnosis is imperative for achieving an esthetic and predictable result in the treatment of such situations. The aim of this article is to discuss the various aspects of excessive gingival display and its etiology and to present the current solutions that exist in the literature.

This two-part treatment series describes the examination, planning, and prosthetic treatment of a 17-year-old female patient whose maxillary central incisors were traumatically lost at the age of 9 years. The first part presented analysis of function and esthetics, and the advantages and disadvantages of the different prosthodontic treatment options were discussed. In this second part of the article, treatment selection, along with the rationale for the decision, the sequence of treatment steps, and the final result are revealed.

The purpose of this study was to perform a three-dimensional observation, via microvascular corrosion casts, of the microcirculation system during deposition of cementum after flap surgery and to investigate the permeable structure of the vascular endothelium. Two stages of wound healing after flap surgery were confirmed based on successive vascular changes. The transition between these stages occurred 3 weeks after surgery, at which time new blood vessels disappeared and an early stage of accumulation of new cementum was apparent. Hence, fibrous repair occurred during the first stage, and repair of hard tissue (ie, formation of cementum) occurred during the second stage. These findings suggest that metabolic activity in cementogenesis is low, based on the condition of the blood vessels, and therefore new cementum is not easily formed.

The records of 53 patients treated surgically for squamous cell carcinoma of the lower alveolar ridge were reviewed and the results of segmental and marginal resections of the mandible were compared. Analysis of these 2 treatment modalities disclosed that marginal resection was effective in controlling lower gingival cancers, with and without apparent bone involvement, if erosive bone defects that did not extend beyond the inferior alveolar canal, or invasive bone defects confined to a superficial area of the alveolar bone, were detected radiologically.

The objective of these studies was to follow early healing at the dentin-connective tissue interface. Small dentin blocks were surgically implanted in bone cavities under mucoperiosteal flaps in the edentulous alveolar ridges of five beagle dogs at various times. In two separate experiments, wound maturation on native dentin surfaces and on citric acid or heparin conditioned dentin surfaces was observed. Block specimens including bone, dentin, and surrounding soft tissues were obtained at 10 minutes, 1 and 6 hours, and 1, 3, and 7 days after flap closure and prepared for light and transmission electron microscopic examination of the interface. The very initial attachment to native dentin was mediated by a granular precipitate. At 1 and 6 hours, the intercellular matrix was more organized with fibrin formation around red blood cell aggregates and at the dentin surface. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were observed throughout the interface. Red blood cells were undergoing degradation at day 1 and polymorphonuclear cells were prevalent at the dentin surface. The 3-day observation interval was characterized by further maturation of the fibrin clot. Macrophages were observed near the dentin surface and fibroblasts could be identified. The 7-day specimens exhibited areas of cell rich connective tissue attachment without inflammatory cells as well as areas showing the fibrin clot in various stages of decomposition. These observations suggest that connective tissue attachment to dentin surfaces is mediated by adsorption of plasma proteins to the surface and subsequent development and maturation of a fibrin clot. The sequence of healing events at dentin surfaces conditioned with citric acid or heparin was largely similar to healing at native dentin surfaces. However, at day 1 and later time points, clot adhesion to heparin-conditioned dentin appeared compromised, whereas the fibrin clot seemed to adhere to citric acid-conditioned dentin at all observation periods. These observations indicate that in the absence of mechanical trauma, epithelial proliferation, and infection, wound maturation at the dentin-connective tissue interface may not necessarily be affected by treatments that either enhance or inhibit clot adhesion to the dentin surface.

Cervical external root resorption can be present in natural teeth, involving one or more teeth in the same patient. The incidence of these lesions appears random and the etiology remains unclear. Cervical external root resorption has been considered a difficult clinical situation, and its diagnosis and treatment of the defect challenging. The present report describes a case of multiple external cervical resorption lesions involving four teeth, including the history, and the clinical and radiographic findings. The treatment included surgical intervention and restoration of the defect without sacrificing the pulp. A 3-year re-evaluation of the case confirmed a stable, uneventful clinical recovery.

Contemporary surgical techniques emphasize gentle tissue handling with a minimum of trauma. This in turn provides a predictable operative environment and promotes healing. A modern surgical armamentarium may be very different from that encountered a decade ago. This is clear from the greater availability of dental microsurgical instruments. Whilst the complexity of microsurgery may not be routinely necessary in general dental practice, many of the principles and equipment used may make standard surgical management easier and more predictable.A greater understanding of the evidence base behind periodontal surgery will allow us to improve flap design, closure and operative management. Also, the use of microsurgical techniques and equipment will improve the quality and outcomes of periodontal surgery in practice.

The information about immediate denture treatment should be given clearly to the patient. The patient needs to understand about the treatment’s aspects in order to give acceptance and agreement toward the treatment. This case represents 41 years old woman with protrusive upper and lower anterior teeth, which makes the patient feel unconfident toward her performance. The immediate partial denture was prepared with interseptal alveolectomy n upper and lower jaws. The extraction procedure was planned toward 13, 12, 11, 21, 22, 23, and 32, 31, 41, 42. The patient refused 13 and 23 extraction based on psychological consideration. The operator approached the patient by re-explaining the treatment procedure and its purposes and they came up with a solution that the extraction would by split into two phases. This compromise resulted in satisfying final treatment’s result. Patient was satisfied by the dentures and her overall performance since the esthetic problem have been solved.

This case report evaluated the long-term effects of osseous resective therapy in the treatment of a patient with moderately advanced periodontal disease. In 1984, the patient underwent initial therapy followed by a periodontal surgical phase consisting of osseous recontouring with an apically positioned flap. After 20 years, in 2003, the patient presented with a traumatic complication. An exploratory surgery revealed a fracture on the roof of the pulp chamber on the maxillary left first molar. The buccal roots were resected, preserving the palatal root, and a reevaluation of the long-term outcome of osseous resective surgery was performed. It is suggested that the positive treatment result is the consequence of the reestablishment of tissue morphology favorable for oral hygiene and plaque control by the patient.

Ridge expansion techniques have been acknowledged to offer several advantages in the correction of ridge deformities. The expanded defect heals in a similar manner to an extraction socket. In selected cases patients can wear their dentures after surgery. Secondary surgical sites are not a prerequisite, and simultaneous implant placement can be achieved during ridge expansion. The limitation of this technique lies in its inability to create bone vertically. Therefore, it is not indicated for the correction of vertical defects. The application of the split ridge expansion technique has been reported in the literature as it pertains to partially edentulous deficient ridges. The purpose of this article was to present the application of the split ridge expansion technique in the fully edentulous maxilla and discuss the distinction between the immediate or one-stage approach and the delayed or two-stage approach. Histologic results are discussed. Two case reports demonstrate the results that can be obtained with this technique.

To present a modified option to surgical crown lengthening for repair of biologic width loss.The alternative to the traditional method involves reshaping the fractured root surface in combination with conservative removal of the supporting alveolar bone to rebuild the biological width. Although these teeth were considered as not suitable for the traditional methods, 7 teeth from 7 patients with fracture surface located lower than alveolar bone crest were treated by this modified method of surgical crown lengthening. Restoration was accomplished on these teeth two month later. Periodontal index such as tooth mobility, plaque index, probing depth and bleeding index were recorded and followed up.The mean follow-up period was 17 months (ranged from 10 to 31 months). Result of surgery and restoration of these 7 teeth was satisfactory. The gingival tissue remained healthy and esthetic with good function.This modified surgical crown lengthening can be used as an alternative to the traditional method to save more fractured teeth.

This report describes the corticotomy surgical technique used in conjunction with orthodontic therapy and its effect on the periodontal status of the involved teeth. The surgical procedure included intracrevicular incisions and elevation of buccal and lingual mucoperiosteal flaps. Buccal and lingual vertical grooves penetrating the cortical bone were then made between the roots. These grooves were extended from just below the interproximal alveolar bone margin to beyond the apex levels of the teeth. Buccal and lingual horizontal grooves joined the apical extensions of the vertical grooves. The orthodontic appliance was activated immediately upon wound closure. Plaque scores, probing depths, and probing attachment levels were recorded before the surgical procedure and after the completion of the orthodontic treatment in 5 patients. The results showed that the corticotomy procedure caused minimal changes in the periodontal attachment apparatus.

Mandibular molars with a periapical pathology that remains unresolved by endodontic treatment may be considered for periapical surgery (PS); even for those situated in close proximity to the mandibular canal. Our objective was to compare PS in mandibular molars situated close to the mandibular canal, and those at a greater distance, and to study the postoperative morbidity and prognosis of both groups.A follow-up study was made on PS carried out using the ultrasound technique. The cases were classified into 2 different groups in function of the proximity of the periapical lesion to the mandibular canal; group A when the distance was less than 2 mm and group B when it was equal to 2 mm. Only patients undergoing PS in mandibular molars were included in this study; minimum follow-up was set at 12 months. The postoperative morbidity was evaluated, as well as the mid- and long-term overall success. SPSS 12 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL) was used for statistical analysis. All estimated association measures were then tested for statistical significance, and declared significant for P values less than .05.PS was carried out on 79 patients, with 98 lesions, involving 88 mandibular molars. Group A was made up of 22 patients with 27 periapical lesions in close proximity to the mandibular canal, involving 23 mandibular molars; and group B comprised 57 patients with 71 lesions not in close proximity to the mandibular canal, involving 65 molars. Sixty percent of the patients presented between no pain and mild pain on the second postoperative day and two thirds of the patients between mild and moderate swelling. Group A had higher average pain than group B (P.05), peaking at 2 days, whereas in group B maximum pain was reached at 2 hours of the intervention. The success at 12 months in the mandibular molars was 66.6% with no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (P.05).The success obtained in mandibular molars shows that periapical surgery is a valid treatment option, even in molars situated in close proximity to the mandibular canal.

Purpose In recent years, the concept of prosthodontic-driven implantology has received more attention. The precise placement of implants in accordance with greater safety and confidence allow the practitioner to offer a safer, more secure and predictable treatment than could previously be provided. In this report, this novel approach is illustrated through description of 1 difficult case. Materials and Methods Using principles of computer-assisted design and rapid manufacturing, the data acquisitioned from computerized tomography was used to plan implant rehabilitation and to transfer this information to the surgery as well. Results The procedure of implant planning in this sophisticated technique has potential to yield substantial public health benefits. Conclusions It was demonstrated that the versatility of the technique allows not only precise translation of the treatment plan to the patient's mouth, but also offers many additional significant benefits including use of special guides during surgery which would be difficult to achieve with traditional procedures.

Periodontal surgical procedures consisting of gingival flaps and osseous recontouring are indicated for crown lengthening of several contiguous teeth in the esthetic zone; both in cases where restorations are required and in cases where no restorations are planned, such as in patients with excessive gingival display due to altered passive eruption. Forced tooth eruption via orthodontic extrusion is the technique of choice when clinical crown lengthening is necessary on isolated teeth in the esthetic zone.

Purpose This study compares periapical surgery (PS) of the maxillary premolars and molars in close proximity to the maxillary sinus with those not in close proximity, and assesses postoperative morbidity and prognosis. Patients and Methods A prospective follow-up study was carried out on clinical cases of PS using the ultrasound technique. Only patients undergoing PS in maxillary premolars and molars were included in this study; minimum follow-up was set at 12 months. The cases were classified into 2 different groups in function of the proximity of the periapical lesion to the maxillary sinus: group 1, when the distance was less than 2 mm; group 2, when the distance was greater than or equal to 2 mm. Postoperative morbidity was measured, as well as a clinical and radiographic follow-up evaluating the overall mid- and long-term success rate using von Arx and Kurt criteria. SPSS 12 was used for the statistical analysis. All measures of estimated association were then tested for statistical significance, and declared significant for P less than .05. Results PS was carried out on 92 patients, 106 teeth, and 129 periapical lesions. Group 1 was composed of 43 maxillary premolars and molars with 59 lesions, and group 2 of 63 teeth and 70 lesions. Maximum pain occurred during the first 6 hours and swelling reached its peak on the second day. The overall healing in maxillary premolars and molars was 75% success, 10% improvement, and 15% failure at 1-year follow-up. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding postoperative pain, swelling, and outcome (P > .05). Conclusions The success of PS in maxillary premolars and molars at 12 months follow-up was 75%. Failure rates in premolars and molars in close proximity to the maxillary sinus were higher than unrelated premolars and molars, but the differences were not significant statistically.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of additional surgical procedures on the root development of transplanted teeth. The study sample consisted of 90 immature third molars transplanted in 88 patients. All transplanted teeth were at root development stages 3 to 4. Free bone autografts were used in 23 cases (bone autograft group), mainly because of vertical atrophy of the alveolar process. A splitting osteotomy of the alveolar process was performed in 25 cases with marked horizontal atrophy (osteotomy group). Forty-two teeth transplanted into a fresh extraction site immediately after extraction of the non-retainable tooth served as controls. At root development stage 3, significant differences were determined between the osteotomy and the control groups in final root length (P0.001) and root length increment (P=0.004). Transplants in the osteotomy group revealed a significantly lower root length increment than transplants in the bone autograft group (P=0.008). No significant intergroup differences were observed at root development stage 4. These results indicate that a splitting osteotomy of the alveolar process has a negative effect on root development of transplanted teeth at earlier developmental stages.

In esthetic dentistry, expanding the evaluation beyond the teeth is necessary to achieve a truly desirable result. The lips, attached and unattached mucosa, free gingival margin, and osseous position and contours must be considered and changed if necessary. Although many treatment modalities are available to accomplish these modifications, the use of lasers of varying wavelengths provides advantages not possible by other means. Lasers are often thought of as generic instruments, but different laser wavelengths function differently, and each has its place in the esthetic continuum. Diode, neodymium:YAG, CO(2) and erbium lasers each have advantages that can be exploited to maximum effect and disadvantages that must be taken into consideration. A thorough understanding of their mechanism of action, their tissue effects, and laser safety is vital to obtaining excellent results.