Piezoelectric ridge split and immediate implant placement in an atrophic mandible: a 3-year follow-up.

Anatomical variations often present a challenge in the placement of an implant in its optimal location. A ridge split procedure, which had been recommended for narrow alveolar ridges, has recently undergone a number of modifications, making the procedure simpler and providing more predictable outcomes. This article reports the 3-year follow-up of 2 implants placed using a ridge split procedure with a piezoelectric surgical unit for the rehabilitation of the mandibular posterior ridge.

A rare case of ankyloglossia and bilateral fusion of mandibular incisors.

Dental anomalies may occur both in primary and permanent dentitions. Abnormalities in tooth size, shape, and structure result from disturbances during the morphodifferentiation stage of development. They are observed frequently during routine dental examinations and might be associated with a syndrome. Dentists must be familiar with the prevalence of such anomalies, as early diagnosis can prevent complications such as compromised aesthetics, space loss, midline shift, and carious exposure. This article describes a rare presentation of bilaterally fused permanent mandibular central and lateral incisors, along with ankyloglossia and fluorosis in a 22-year-old man with the chief complaint of "dirty teeth."

Effect of insertion of xanthan-based chlorhexidine gel in the maintenance phase following the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of subgingivally administered xanthan-based chlorhexidine gel when used in the maintenance phase following scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, controlled, single-center study was conducted involving 92 sites in 46 systemically healthy patients suffering from moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis with isolated pockets. The selected sites were randomized to two treatment arms: Group A (SRP alone) and Group B (SRP + insertion of chlorhexidine gel after 1 month). The gingival index, plaque index, probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and subsequently after 1 month and 3 months. RESULTS: Both the groups showed significant reductions in PPD and CAL at both follow-up visits when compared with the baseline values (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the application of xanthan based chlorhexidine gel following SRP in the maintenance phase might be beneficial in treatment of the chronic periodontitis in comparison to SRP alone. Greater improvements may be achieved when antimicrobial agents are used following SRP.