Clinical Benefits of the Socket Shield Technique Associated with Anatomical Transmucosal Implant Components: A Case Report

One of the key factors in determining the esthetic success of implant-supported prostheses in the esthetic zone is the preservation of the natural architecture of the peri-implant tissues. A case replacing two maxillary lateral incisors with reduced buccal cortical bone by means of implant-supported crowns was illustrated. The socket shield technique was adopted to conserve the tissue volume, guided surgery was used to manage the optimal implant insertion, and anatomically shaped transmucosal implant components were selected to shape peri-implant soft tissues with the ideal emergence profiles and allow for direct digital impressions without scan bodies. The association of immediate implantation, guided surgery, socket shield technique, anatomically shaped transmucosal implant components, and digital impressions without scan bodies was used to achieve a successful rehabilitation with healthy, stable, and anatomically shaped peri-implant tissues.

Agenesis of a maxillary lateral incisor associated with bilateral canine inclusions: A noninvasive multidisciplinary approach.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors is often complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach, which demands continuous collaboration among the different specialists involved in the rehabilitation. In young patients, implant therapy or the preparation of intact teeth for fixed prostheses is not indicated. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Two complex cases of double maxillary canine inclusion were treated with combined surgical, orthodontic, and conservative prosthetic treatments. Orthodontic therapy allowed the creation of the necessary interocclusal space to fabricate the all-ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial dentures without the preparation of the abutment teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Carefully planned and meticulously executed orthodontic and prosthetic therapies allowed for a noninvasive rehabilitation of patients with maxillary lateral incisor agenesis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This article provides clinicians with a noninvasive solution for agenesis of lateral incisors associated with canine inclusions. Indications for the choice of material of all-ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial dentures are discussed and presented.

Efficacy of a Checklist for Office-Laboratory Communication: A Clinical Study on Quality Outcomes for Single Crowns.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a structured communication protocol between dentists and dental laboratory technicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 112 single metal-ceramic crowns, fabricated by four different dentist-dental technician pairs, were evaluated at the clinical try-in appointment. Subsequently, each professional pair produced another 112 crowns using a checklist. RESULTS: The scores showed a statistically significant improvement in clinical outcomes with the use of a checklist by reducing adjustment times for contact area, fit, and occlusion and number of appointments. CONCLUSION: The use of a checklist improved crown quality.

Retention of luting agents on implant abutments of different height and taper.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the retention of four cements used to lute metal restorations onto computer designed and manufactured titanium implant abutments of different heights and convergence angles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Test specimens consisted of metal coping cemented on Procera titanium abutments of 5, 7, and 9 mm of height, and of 0 degrees , 4 degrees , and 8 degrees of convergence angle. The cements used were zinc-phosphate, zinc oxide-eugenole, polyurethane resin with and without vaseline. The samples were tested in a universal testing machine. The mean uniaxial load at point of separation was determined. The results were statistically evaluated with ANOVA. RESULTS: The luting agent, the height, and the taper influence the retention of metal casting on customized CAD-CAM implant abutments. CONCLUSION: The most retentive cement was zinc-phosphate, followed by polyurethane, polyurethane plus vaseline, and zinc oxide-eugenol.

Diagnostic and technical approach to esthetic rehabilitations.

The success of an esthetic rehabilitation depends on the understanding of the patient's needs and on effective communication among the entire dental team. The involvement of the dental technician since the beginning of the treatment plan is one of the keys for success. This article describes a systematic approach to oral rehabilitations involving esthetic areas. Technical suggestions for the construction of the diagnostic wax-up, the provisional, and the final ceramic restorations are illustrated in a logical sequence.