A Modified Socket-Shield Technique: Simplifying the Root Sectioning Process.

Socket wall resorption leading to a loss of surrounding bone following tooth extraction has been documented in the dental literature. The use of various socket-shield techniques has been suggested as a solution to this issue. In these approaches, the tooth root is sectioned in two, and the coronal two-thirds of the buccal root is preserved in the socket. This allows the periodontium along with the bundle and buccal bone to remain intact, thus preventing or minimizing bone remodeling. According to the literature, this procedure is highly technique sensitive, especially when it comes to sectioning the root. Additionally, the procedure requires significant time, and several complications may occur, such as fenestration or luxation of the remaining root, requiring its complete extraction. This case report presents a modified socket-shield technique using a trephine bur guided by a computer-designed surgical guide to simplify root sectioning, thus reducing surgical time while increasing predictability of the outcome.

Clinical Considerations of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome for Implant Dentistry: Two Case Reports.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of congenital connective tissue disorders that commonly affect joints, muscles, soft tissue, and blood circulation in the affected population. Many oral manifestations are displayed in EDS patients that can include gingival recession, lack of attached gingiva, early severe periodontal disease, and dental caries. However, the literature is limited and oftentimes contradictory regarding dental implants in EDS patients. The aim of this study is to report two successful cases of implants placed in EDS patients, one treated with bone augmentation and both restored with prosthetic implant rehabilitations. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2023;43:e81-e87. doi: 10.11607/prd.5842.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Prosthodontics, Periodontology, and Implant Dentistry: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is one of the most common congenital connective tissue disorders, affecting the synthesis and production of collagen cells. The medical implications for joints, muscles, soft tissue, and blood circulation have been documented in the literature. Many oral manifestations are displayed in EDS patients, including gingival recession, lack of attached gingiva, early severe periodontitis, and dental anomalies and dental caries. However, the literature is limited and oftentimes contradictory, and therefore provides no consensus for guidelines regarding prosthodontic, periodontal, and implant treatment of patients with EDS. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to analyze the pertinent literature regarding prosthodontics, periodontology, and implant dentistry in EDS patients.

Expanded Clinical Applications of Narrow-Diameter Implants for Permanent Use.

This report discusses the expanded use of narrow-diameter implants (< 3.0-mm diameter) for permanent use and presents multiple clinical uses for supporting permanent restorations. The increased applications of narrow-diameter implants have expanded the options of treatment available to clinicians based on the patients' needs, desires, and limitations. The advantages, disadvantages, indications, and limitations are presented for the use of these narrow-diameter implants for permanent-case scenarios. These implants can serve as a treatment option in cases where standard-diameter implants cannot be placed due to limitations in volume or size of a planned implant site or due to financially or medically compromised patients.

Survival rate of one-piece dental implants placed with a flapless or flap protocol--a randomized, controlled study: 12-month results.

The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical study was to compare the survival of a one-piece anodically oxidized surface implant when placed with a flapless or flap protocol. Bone loss measurements on radiographs and changes in clinical probing depths 1 year post-definitive restoration placement were recorded and compared. Fifty-two of 60 patients (implants) remained in the study at the 1-year follow-up. At the time of final evaluation, no implant was lost in either group. At the time of placement of the definitive restoration, there was a mean mesial and distal bone gain in both groups compared to bone levels present at the time of implant insertion. There were no significant changes in bone levels between placement of the definitive restoration and those recorded 12 months later, and no significant differences in bone levels between the flap or flapless group at 6 or 12 months were noted. No significant differences were seen either in pocket depth or change in pocket depth at 6 and 12 months in the flapless and flap groups. It was therefore concluded that one-piece anodically oxidized surface implants, 1 year post-definitive restoration insertion, had high survival rates (100%) and stable marginal bone and probing depth levels whether a flapless or flap protocol was used for implant insertion.