Multidisciplinary action in a patient with cleft lip and palate: esthetic-functional dentofacial treatment for more than two decades / Atuação multidisciplinar em paciente com fissura lábio palatina: tratamento estético-funcional dento-facial de mais de duas décadas

Cleft lip and palate is a very common congenital defect in which embryonic facial processes do not achieve the ideal facial formation during their development which can cause malformation. Multiple dentistry specializations, especially oral and maxillofacial, orthodontics, oral rehabilitation and dental aesthetics are required in order to correct lip and oral cavity malformations by this congenital defect with the objective of functional and aesthetics improvement. The clinical case reported show the multidisciplinary approach in a patient with cleft lip and palate implementing an aesthetic and functional dentofacial rehabilitation. The case involves a 27-year-old female patient LCLG, Caucasian, with the presence of unilateral congenital cleft lip and palate on the left side, who started rehabilitative and reparative treatment at 3 months of age. She then started pediatric orthodontic treatment for angle class 3 crossbite correction at 7 years of age. After complete replacement of deciduous to permanent dentition at the age of 11, the patient started orthodontic treatment with a fixed appliance for several years and restorative treatment with composite resin reanatomize the anterior teeth due to agenesis of elements 22 and 25. After a few years when the resin restorations were no longer biologically favorable, an aesthetic rehabilitation treatment with ceramic laminates was planned through smile digital planning soon after completing the orthodontic treatment. This case report demonstrates that high aesthetic, functional and psychological expectations of a patient with congenital defect compromise throughout her life were met through a multidisciplinary dental treatment based on correct diagnosis and digital planning (AU)

A fissura labiopalatal é um defeito congênito muito comum, no qual os processos faciais embrionários não atingem a formação facial ideal durante o seu desenvolvimento, podendo causar malformações. Múltiplas especializações da odontologia, principalmente buco-maxilo-facial, ortodontia, reabilitação oral e estética dental são necessárias para corrigir as malformações labiais e da cavidade oral por esse defeito congênito com o objetivo de melhoria funcional e estética. O caso clínico relatado mostra a abordagem multidisciplinar em um paciente com fissura labiopalatal implementando uma reabilitação dentofacial estética e funcional. O caso envolve uma paciente do sexo feminino, 27 anos, LCLG, branca, com presença de fissura labiopalatal congênita unilateral à esquerda, que iniciou tratamento reabilitador e reparador aos 3 meses de idade. Após a substituição completa da dentição decídua pela permanente aos 11 anos de idade, a paciente iniciou tratamento ortodôntico com aparelho fixo por vários anos, e tratamento restaurador com resina composta para reanatomizar os dentes anteriores devido à agenesia dos elementos 22 e 25. Após alguns anos em que as restaurações em resina não eram mais favoráveis biologicamente, foi planejado um tratamento reabilitador estético com laminados cerâmicos através do planejamento digital do sorriso logo após a finalização do tratamento ortodôntico. Este relato de caso demonstra que as altas expectativas estéticas, funcionais e psicológicas de uma paciente com comprometimento de defeito congênito ao longo de sua vida foram atendidas por meio de um tratamento odontológico multidisciplinar baseado em diagnóstico correto e planejamento digital (AU)

Uso efectivo de los adhesivos de octava generación / Effective use of eighth generation adhesives

Introducción: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de conocer, analizar y comparar los diferentes tipos de adhesivos de octava generación que se encuentran en el mercado y la diferencia que existe entre cada uno. Los adhesivos universales han demostrado mejoras en su resistencia, sobre todo en las técnicas de aplicación y en las propiedades de estos materiales, al mejorar la fuerza adhesiva para que el odontólogo pueda brindar tratamientos restaurativos exitosos. Objetivo: conocer, analizar y comparar los diferentes tipos de adhe- sivos de la octava generación empleados en odontología. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos electrónicas PubMed, BVS, Redalyc y ScienceDirect. Se utilizaron 32 artículos que cumplieron con los criterios predeterminados y la especificidad reque- rida para la pregunta de investigación. Conclusiones: se demostró que la tecnología cada día avanza, sobre todo en el área de los adhesivos, ya que éstos son de mucha utilidad en el día a día del odontólogo; es importante conocer cada uno de éstos, puesto que es un poco complejo seleccionar el correcto, mas no el uso. En la actualidad, existen diversas opciones por las que el odontólogo puede optar, es por ello que el pro- fesional debe estar capacitado sobre cada una de las diferentes marcas existentes y, de acuerdo al tratamiento, debe elegir cuál es mejor utilizar en una rehabilitación. Es importante para el odontólogo conocer estos materiales, ya que esto lo beneficiará al momento de llevar un plan de tratamiento restaurador (AU)

Introduction: a bibliographic review was carried out to learn about, analyze, and compare the different types of eighth-generation adhesives on the market and the difference between each one. Universal adhesives have demonstrated improvements in their resistance, especially in the application techniques and properties of these materials, improving the adhesive strength so that the dentist can provide successful restorative treatments. Objective: to know, analyze and compare the different types of eighth-generation adhesives used in dentistry. Material and methods: a search was made of the following electronic databases: PubMed, BVS, Redalyc, ScienceDirect. Finally, 32 articles that met the predetermined criteria and the specificity required for the research question were used. Conclusions: it was demonstrated that technology is advancing every day, especially in the area of adhesives since these are very useful in the daily life of the dentist. It is important to know each one of these since it is a little complex at the moment of selecting the correct one, but not the use. Currently, there are several options that the dentist can choose, which is why the professional must be trained on each of the various existing brands and according to the treatment which is the best to use at the time of rehabilitation. The dentist needs to know these materials since they will benefit him/her when carrying out a restorative treatment plan (AU)

Tecnologias tridimensionais na aquisição de paciente virtual para planejamento digital: revisão sistemática / Three-dimensional technologies in the acquisition of virtual patient for digital planning: systematic review

Os avanços nas técnicas de digitalização permitem o registro e a integração das estruturas ósseas, dentárias e faciais. A tomografia computadorizada e os escaneamentos intraoral, laboratorial e extraoral da face fornecem dados aplicáveis do diagnóstico ao tratamento e fomentam a atual renovação da terapêutica odontológica. Nesse âmbito, atribuiu-se a esta revisão sistemática o objetivo de avaliar se as referidas tecnologias tridimensionais podem ser associadas para aquisição do paciente virtual, com a finalidade de planejamento digital otimizado. A coleta da evidência foi realizada sem restrição de tempo e língua e detalhada estratégia de busca foi aplicada às bases de dados Cochrane, PubMed e Web of Science, resultando na amostra total de 1.267 artigos. Pesquisas adicionais foram efetuadas no Google Acadêmico e as listas de referências dos artigos selecionados foram analisadas na procura por estudos compatíveis com os critérios de elegibilidade. Após duas fases de seleção, conduzidas por revisores independentes, 23 artigos foram incluídos para análise descritiva. Os trabalhos foram submetidos à análise do risco de viés individual através das ferramentas do Instituto Joanna Briggs e a certeza da evidência cumulativa geral foi avaliada pelo instrumento GRADE. O padrão do conteúdo científico reunido indica que o efeito estimado por esta pesquisa é potencialmente próximo ao real. A revisão revelou que a associação das tecnologias é efetiva para a completa geração do paciente virtual. Para o propósito de planejamento digital, os protocolos demonstraram otimização e viabilidade clínica, com desfechos caracterizados pela acurácia, previsibilidade, tempo e custos minimizados. Trabalhos acerca desse tema estão em desenvolvimento e espera-se que a evidência futura corrobore e amplie os achados desta pesquisa sistematizada.

Self-reported oral hygiene practice and utilization of dental services by dental technology students in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Background: Dental technology students are Dental surgery technicians under training, trained to assist patients maintain good oral health. Hence, their oral hygiene is expected to be optimal. Objective: To determine the oral self-care practices and pattern of utilization of dental services among dental technology students. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, consisting of 109 participants. The questionnaire had three sections. Section A had questions on sociodemographic, section B was on self-reported oral hygiene practices and section C was on pattern of dental service utilization. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version 20.0. Results: The mean age was 23.66 years; age range was 18 - 42 years. There were 20 males and 89 females, 95.41% of the participants used toothbrushes and paste, while 4.59% used both chewing sticks and toothbrushes. 22% used horizontal/scrub method of toothbrushing, 10.1% used modified bass method, whereas 5.0% do not know which method of toothbrushing they use. 81.3% of the participants had visited the dentist previously for routine dental check-up while 10.71% visited for dental pain. Conclusion: The self-reported oral hygiene practice of the dental technology students is commendable, however, further education on the importance of scaling and polishing is advocated.

Impressão tridimensional na Odontologia: uma revisão de literatura / Three dimensional printing in Dentistry: a literature review

Devido ao avanço tecnológico e a busca da excelência do tratamento, a prototipagem rápida (PR) tornou-se realidade na odontologia com uso de exames de imagem, sendo a tomografia computadorizada a mais utilizada. Assim, é possível analisar com precisão a anatomia do paciente e simular o procedimento nos biomodelos, resultando na otimização do tratamento. O objetivo do trabalho é descrever a aplicação dos processos de impressão tridimensional na odontologia. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura integrativa utilizando os descritores: Impressão Tridimensional, CAD-CAM e Odontologia Digital nas bases de dados PubMed e Scielo e nos bancos de dados Europe PMC e BVS. Os protótipos vem sendo um marco na odontologia moderna, sendo eles réplicas de estruturas anatômicas que são criados a partir da conversão de imagens 3D obtidas por meio de exames de imagem, como a tomografia computadorizada (TC) e a ressonância magnética (RM), em imagens reais. As imagens adquiridas são reformatadas por meio de softwares específicos que utilizam os sistemas CAD e CAM. O biomodelos permite a simulação do respectivo procedimento, evitando imprevistos no transoperatório, aumentam a segurança e estreita a relação entre o profissional e o paciente, resultando na maior satisfação no resultado final... (AU)

Due to technological advancement and the search for excellence in treatment, the rapid prototyping (RP) becomes reality in dentistry with the imaging exams, being the computed tomography being the most used. Thus, it is possible to accurately analyze the patient's anatomy and simulate the procedure on biomodels, resulting in treatment optimization. The objective of the work is to describe the application of three-dimensional printing processes in dentistry. An integrative literature review was realized using the descriptors: Three-dimensional printing, CAD-CAM and Digital Dentistry in the PubMed and Scielo databases and in the Europe PMC and BVS databank. The prototypes have been a landmark in modern dentistry, they are replicas of anatomical structures that are created from the conversion of 3D images obtained through image exams, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR), in real images. The acquired images are reformatted using specific software using the CAD and CAM systems. The biomodel allows the simulation of the respective procedure, avoiding unforeseen circumstances during the operation, increasing safety and strengthening the relationship between the professional and the patient, resulting in greater satisfaction in the final result.. (AU)

Aplicación forense de tecnología radiográfica dental portátil en Argentina: estado actual y perspectivas futuras / Forensic application of portable dental radiographic technology in Argentina: current status and future prospects

Objetivos: Mensurar los niveles de radiación de fuga y dispersión emanada a través de los blindajes y estructuras plomadas del tubo de rayos X de la unidad dental portátil NOMAD, controlando la retrodispersión con el uso del escudo protector de acrílico plomado adaptado en el extremo final del tubo localizador plomado. Se midieron las tasas de exposición dispersadas mediante un detector tipo Geiger-Müller y una cámara de ionización con respuesta en el rango de energías aportadas en diagnóstico por imágenes para la medición de la exposición directa y determinación posterior de las dosis. Se utilizó un fantomas diseñado para diagnóstico odontológico, sopesando la radiación en diferentes angulaciones de operación del equipo NOMAD, simulando los gestos posturales de odontólogos, radiólogos y sujetos a identificar. Se controlaron las tasas de exposición para determinar los valores de las dosis aportadas en las zonas significativas corporales más radiosensibles del operador del equipo. Se obtuvo como resultado que la retrodispersión en el cristalino del ojo del operador fue significativamente menor cuando el fantomas estaba acostado, mientras que a nivel de gónadas resultó más baja con el cuerpo sentado. La tasa de dosis máxima de radiación dispersa que impactó en los operadores fue de 350.8 micro Sieverts por hora (uSv/h) en la zona de gónadas, por cada radiografía tomada sin el uso del delantal de goma plomada, reduciéndose a 4.38 micro Sieverts por hora (uSv/h) al utilizarlo (AU)

Reflexiones sobre la educación universitaria en pandemia. Experiencia en odontología / Reflections on university education in a pandemic. Experience in dentistry

¿Cuándo fue que nos despertamos y nos dimos cuenta de que estábamos en una escena de película? Algo impensado para nosotros, un aislamiento, nos hizo sentir más que nunca que somos seres sociales. ¿Y qué ocurrió con la educación en este contexto? El modo en que el ámbito universitario atravesó la pandemia y la inclusión de la tecnología en la enseñanza odontológica invitan a reflexionar sobre los cambios que tuvieron lugar y que llegaron para quedarse (AU)

That moment when we found ourselves in the middle of a movie scene. Something unexpected for us, the isolation showed us the importance for human beings to socialise. The changes experienced in education during the lockdown in 2020 with the inclusion of technology like internet in dental education, invites us to reflect about those changes and how they will affect dental education in the future (AU)

Three-dimensional printed models versus conventional stone models: an accuracy analysis

Aim: To compare the accuracy (trueness and precision) of cost-accessible three-dimensional (3D) printed models. Methods: A maxillary typodont (MM) was scanned and printed 10 times in polylactic acid, resulting in 10 digital models (DMs). Polyvinylsiloxane impressions were made to obtain 10 conventional stone models (SMs). All models were scanned and imported to CloudCompare software. The total area and three locations of interest were evaluated (zenith to incisal [Z-I], canine to canine [C-C], and first molar to canine [1M-C] distances). Total area evaluations were performed by aligning the MM and experimental models using the best-fit algorithm and were compared using the Haussdorf distance. The distances between points of interest were measured using the point-picking tool at the same 3D coordinates. The mean volumetric deviations were considered for trueness analysis. Precision was set as the standard deviation. Statistical differences were evaluated using the Student's t-test. Results:Total area volumetric comparisons showed that DMs showed superior trueness and precision (-0.02 ± 0.03) compared to the SMs (0.37 ± 0.29) (P < 0.001). No differences between the models were observed for Z-I (P = .155); however, SMs showed fewer deviations for C-C (P = .035) and 1M-C (P = .001) than DMs. Conclusions: The DMs presented superior trueness and precision for total area compared to the SMs; however, the SMs were more accurate when points of interest were evaluated

Clinical relevance of Digital Dentistry during COVID-19 outbreak: a scoped review

Aim: To perform a scoped literature review on advantages of digital workflows in dentistry that could be widely adopted to address safety issues raised during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Recent studies on any advantages of digital dentistry ­ as compared to conventional methods ­ that could help addressing the new safety demands for dental treatments that emerged due to the current pandemic were included. PUBMED, Embase, and Web of Knowledge databases were searched for eligible articles published in the last five years. The guidelines of PRISMA statement were followed during data extraction and evaluation. Results: The present search strategy yielded 181 publications. After application of exclusion criteria, a total of 34 studies were finally considered eligible to be discussed. Among the most important advantages of digital dentistry that contribute to safety during the current pandemic are: reduced number of clinical appointments required, shorter chairside time, less invasive surgeries and safer procedures. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the findings observed herein suggest that the use of digital workflows in dentistry could lead to increased safety and reduced transmission of COVID-19 during the current pandemic

Escaneamento digital e prototipagem 3d para confecção de laminados cerâmicos: relato de caso clínico / Digital Scanning and 3D Prototyping for Ceramic Laminate Confection: Clinical Case

Introdução:lentes de contato dentais podem ser uma excelente opção para correção de cor, forma, tamanho e posicionamento dental. Entretanto é umtratamentoque requer várias etapas laboratoriais com riscos de distorções nas etapas de moldagem e vazamento do modelo. Desta forma, desadaptações dos laminados em boca podem ser frequentes.Objetivo:relatar um caso clínico de nove laminados cerâmicos em que foi empregado o escaneamento digital, troquelização virtual e prototipagem do modelo em 3D.Método:paciente do gênero feminino, 59 anos, buscou atendimento odontológico queixando-se de desproporcionalidade dentária ao sorrir. Ao exame clínico foi observada uma inclinação maxilar que causava aquela desarmonia. Foi proposta a confecção de laminados cerâmicos para compensar a discrepância óssea bem como melhorar forma, contorno e cromia dentária. Após planejamento digital, confecção do enceramento diagnóstico, mock up, e aceita do planejamento por parte da paciente, iniciaram-se os preparos dentários. Finalizada esta etapa, os dentes foram escaneados (Trios 3Shape), troquelizados e prototipados em impressora 3D. O modelo foi encaminhado ao laboratório que confeccionou as peças protéticas em dissilicato de lítio de forma injetada e maquiada. Por fim, foram realizadas as provas secas, úmidas, ajustes necessários e cimentação dos laminados com cimento resinoso fotopolimerizável.Conclusão:a tecnologia empregada se mostrou eficiente na resolução do caso, sendo uma técnica rápida, que causou pouco desconforto à paciente e oportunizou uma boa adaptação dos laminados cerâmicos (AU).

Introduction:laminates veneers can be an excellent choice for color correction, shape, size and dental positioning. However, it is a technique that requires several laboratory steps with risks of distortion in the molding and casting steps of the model. Thus, maladjustments of laminatesin the mouth may be frequent.Objective:to report a clinical case of nine ceramic laminates through the digital scanning, virtual punching and 3D prototyping of the model.Methods:A 59 years old woman showed up to dental clinic searched dental care complaining of dental disproportionality when smiling. At the clinical examination, a maxillary inclination was observed that caused disharmony. It was proposed the making of ceramic laminates to compensate the bone discrepancy as well as improve shape, contour and dental color. After the digital planning, preparation diagnostic wax-up, mock up, and acceptance of patient planning, the dental preparations were started. After this step, the teeth were scanned (Trios 3Shape), punched and prototyped in a 3D printer. The model was sent to the laboratory to do the prosthetic parts in lithium disilicate in an injected and makeup manner. At last, it were made the tests dry, wet, required adjustments finally cementation of the ceramic laminates with photopolymerizable resin cement. Conclusions:the technology employed was efficient in solving this case, being a fast technique, which caused little discomfort to the patient and provided a good adaptation of the ceramic laminates (AU).

Evaluation of intensity standards of tungsten-halogen and led curing units / Evaluación de estándares de intensidad de unidades de curado tugsteno-halógenas y leds

Current evidence indicates that the minimum light intensity of photo curing units required to polymerize in a reliable way a composite resin, in increments of 2mm, is 300mW/cm2. The recent introduction of new generations of composite resin materials for large volume increments, partially contrasts with ISO 4049 (2009), calling for the use of light intensity of 1,000mW/cm2. Therefore, it is considered relevant to carry out periodic measurements of the emission intensity of light-curing units of clinical use. The aim of this study was to test the intensity [mW/cm2] of a representative sample of tungsten-halogen and LED photopolymerization units used in private and public health service in different areas of the Valparaíso Region in Chile. This was achieved through the use of dental radiometers, without considering the variables of intensity modification over time (either spontaneously, by undesirable inherent characteristics of the device, or by programs of intensity modification in time), or the density of accumulated power needed. This in vitro diagnostic test, evaluated a sample of 507 units, 107 halogen and 400 LED, for a period of around one month, using two radiometers as measuring instruments. For LED units the Bluephase Meter® radiometer, from Ivoclar-VivadentTM was used, and for halogen units we used the Coltolux® from ColténeTM. As a result, 85% of the LED and halogen units achieved the minimum requirements of intensity needed for the polymerization of conventional dental biomaterials. However, only 25% from the tested units achieved a power density of 1,000mW/cm2.

Recursos actuales en el diagnóstico de caries / Current resources in caries diagnosis

Uno de los grandes problemas en la Odontología y en particular en aquellos asociados con el manejo de la caries dental es la detección y el diagnóstico preciso o acertado de las lesiones de caries, principalmente, de aquellas lesiones más incipientes. Actualmente, así como se ha ido presentando una mayor comprensión y entendimiento del desarrollo de las lesiones de la caries dental, también se han generado nuevas posibilidades de efectuar un mejor manejo de estas lesiones en forma individual y en general, a la disminución del riesgo de caries de cada paciente en forma más particular. Esto ha permitido la creación de lo que se puede considerar como un nuevo paradigma basado en los recursos actuales, no sólo en el diagnóstico de las lesiones de caries sino en especial, al manejo de la caries dental como enfermedad (AU)

One of the great problems in Dentistry and especially in those associated with the management of dental caries is the detection and the precise or accurate diagnosis of the caries lesions, particularly of the most incipient lesions. Actually, to our date, it has been shown a better comprehension and understanding on the development of the dental caries lesions that has generated also, the possibilities to perform a better management of these lesions individually, and in general, to decrease the caries risk in each patient in a particular form. All this has created what can be considered as: a new paradigm based in the current resources not only on the diagnosis of the caries lesions, but specially, on the management of dental caries as a disease (AU)

Evaluation of the accuracy between splinting and non-splintingimpression techniques for multiple implants

Introduction: Among the determinant factors for the implant-supported prosthesis longevity is the exact and comprehensive process of impression which results is the passive prosthesis fitting. Objective: To compare the accuracy of transfer coping impression techniques with or without splinting, after the isolation of the factors associated to the passive fitting. Method: Based on the control group composed by an edentulous mandibular master model (self-cured acrylic resin) with four external hexagon parallel implants splinting with a metallic bar, four customized open trays were constructed with self-cured acrylic. Ten impressions were made with condensation silicone ( Xantopren ®), poured with type IV plaster ( Durone ®), and then divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=5) ­ non-splinting multi unit transfer copings; and Group 2 (n=5) ­ splinting multi unit transfer copings with a bar constructed with self-cured acrylic resin ( Palavit G ®) and dental floss, with the aid of an addition silicon mold ( Elite Double ® Zhermack) . Next, the bar was cut and splinted again. The ten transfer molds were measured at the center of the labial surface of each implant with the aid of Stereoscopic Magnifying Glass ( Physis ®) with x60 magnification. The results were tabulated and submitted to non-parametric statistics through Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Results: The means were: 22.44 µm (±7) for control group, 26.86 µm (±10) for direct splinting, and 24.70 µm (±13) for direct non-splinting technique. Conclusion: No statistically significant differences were found between the tested techniques.

Introdução: Entre os fatores determinantes para a longevidade de uma prótese implanto suportada, está o processo exato e meticuloso de moldagem dos implantes osseointegrados, implicando diretamente no assentamento passivo da prótese. Objetivo: Comparar a precisão das técnicas de moldagem com e sem união dos transferentes isolando os fatores que podem estar associados ao ajuste passivo. Métodos: A partir de um grupo controle composto por um modelo mestre (em resina acrílica quimicamente ativada) mandibular desdentado com quatro implantes de conexão externa posicionados paralelamente e unidos por uma barra metálica. Foram confeccionadas dez moldeiras em resina acrílica quimicamente ativada (todas abertas). Dez impressões foram feitas com silicone de condensação Xantopren ®, e vertidas com gesso tipo IV, Durone ®, divididas em dois grupos: Grupo 1 (n=5) ­ Pilares multi unit não unidos e Grupo 2 (n=5) ­ Pilares multi unit unidos por uma barra confeccionada com fio dental e resina acrílica autopolimerizável, Palavit G ®, através de um molde de silicone de adição, Elite Double ® Zhermack . Em seguida, a barra foi seccionada e reunida. Os dez modelos de transferência foram mensurados no centro da face vestibular de cada um dos implantes através de uma lupa estereoscópica ( Physis ®) com ampliação de 60 vezes. Os resultados foram tabulados e submetidos à análise estatística não paramétrica, teste Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). Resultados: As médias aritméticas encontradas foram de 22,44 µm (±7) para grupo controle, 26,86 µm (±10) para técnica direta com esplintagem e 24,70 µm (±13) para técnica direta sem esplintagem. Conclusão: Não foi identificado diferenças estatísticas significantes entre as técnicas experimentadas.

Oral Implantology: Myths Exposed in Recent Research.

Today, a variety of surgical and prosthetic protocols, implant designs, and prosthetic devices are used for implant dentistry, employing many different dental technologies. With a plethora of options available, choosing an implant system has become highly challenging for practitioners. Having an understanding of the role of different implant design properties may help clinicians make informed decisions. This article provides an overview of factors affecting osseointegration and preservation of bone and discusses the importance of surgical and prosthetic treatments that respect the biologic width and avoid interventions, such as cementation, that may disturb the surrounding soft and hard tissues.

New frontiers in Dental Technology: An Overview.

The pace of technological advance across science is staggeringly fast. Our ability to translate some of the potential developments in technology into concepts/products/devices that can assist dentists in caring for patients is key to ensuring that both the profession and the people we care for derive full benefit from these new technologies. This overview will focus in four areas: research and how we gather and interpret data to inform health care; the diagnosis and prevention of disease; planning care; and new concepts in terms of achieving desired health outcomes for patients. Some of the technological advances will be in their infancy and others close to or indeed clinical reality. The objective of this overview is to show where we are in terms of the cutting edge of technology and to whet the appetite for things to come.