Vertical eruption of anterior maxillary teeth adjacent to single-implant-supported crowns: An assessment after a 3-year follow-up period.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Vertical eruption of teeth adjacent to an implant has been reported clinically and might affect the esthetic outcome over time. The prevalence of the problem is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the vertical eruption of anterior maxillary teeth adjacent to single-implant crowns after a 3-year follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty single dental implants were inserted in maxillary anterior sites including the first premolar. The mean age of the participants at implant-supported crown insertion was 48.4 years (range 23 to 79 years). Each implant was restored with a 1-piece screw-retained ceramic single crown. The vertical changes of 60 adjacent anterior maxillary teeth were evaluated from periapical radiographs and casts at baseline, 6, 12, and 36 months. RESULTS: A global ANOVA test showed statistically significant differences for the outcomes of the distance-implant platform and cement-enamel junction (DPC) (P<.001), crown length distal (P=.021) and mesial (P=.035), implant crown length (P=.022), and incisal edge to edge (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous vertical tooth eruption next to a single dental implant was observed in adult participants.

A modified technique for the intraoral assessment of static occlusal contacts.

This article describes a procedure in which articulating paper is modified for the intraoral assessment of static occlusal contacts. The rectangular-shaped articulating paper is modified by creating parallel cuts at 2- to 3-mm intervals perpendicular to its long side without completely separating the paper. This modification may improve the accuracy in determining occlusal contacts and therefore facilitate an occlusal adjustment procedure.

Clinical assessment of fractured implant abutment screws: The Bernese silicone replica technique.

Fractured implant abutment screws can be retrieved with repair or rescue devices. However, whether the screw was completely retrieved or the inner implant body was damaged may be uncertain. A silicone replica technique was recently implemented in Bern and may be the most predictable method available at the moment for clinically assessing the internal implant body. This technique is straightforward and precise and may help dentists determine the internal implant condition when managing a fractured screw.