Lateral augmentation of the maxilla and mandible using framework technique with allogeneic bone grafts.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lateral ridge augmentation in 36 patients with severely atrophic alveolar ridge using allogeneic bone grafts in a framework technique. A thinned allogeneic cortical graft was screwed to the alveolar ridge, leaving a hollow space that was filled with particulated allogeneic cortical bone. Thirty-six patients who received surgical lateral block augmentation using allogeneic bone grafts were involved in this study. Implants were placed in a second session after a mean time of 6.3 months. The surgical technique and the reasons for failure of surgery in three patients are described. Additionally, properties of allogeneic bone grafts are reviewed. In 33 patients, dental implants were successfully installed and continued to be well maintained at the last follow-up (91.7% success). In three patients, dental implants could not be installed (8.3% failure) as the graft was lost because of wound dehiscence; however, repeat surgery was successfully carried out in all three. The use of allogeneic bone grafts in lateral ridge augmentation of the maxilla and mandible showed successful clinical results. It seems to be a reliable material for reconstructing a severely atrophic alveolar ridge. It presents a good alternative to autogenous bone regarding augmentation because it offers good ossification, less morbidity, unlimited availability and shorter duration of surgery, and lower costs.

Effect of fluoride toothpastes on enamel demineralization.

BACKGROUND: It was the aim of this study to investigate the effect of four different toothpastes with differing fluoride compounds on enamel remineralization. METHODS: A 3 x 3 mm window on the enamel surface of 90 human premolars was demineralized in a hydroxyethylcellulose solution at pH 4.8. The teeth were divided into 6 groups and the lower half of the window was covered with varnish serving as control. The teeth were immersed in a toothpaste slurry containing: placebo tooth paste (group 1); remineralization solution (group 2); Elmex Anticaries (group 3); Elmex Sensitive (group 4); Blend-a-med Complete (group 5) and Colgate GRF (group 6). Ten teeth of each group were used for the determination of the F- content in the superficial enamel layer and acid solubility of enamel expressed in soluble phosphorus. Of 6 teeth of each group serial sections were cut and investigated with polarization light microscopy (PLM) and quantitative energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). RESULTS: The PLM results showed an increased remineralization of the lesion body in the Elmex Anticaries, Elmex Sensitive and Colgate GRF group but not in the Blend-a-med group. A statistically significant higher Ca content was found in the Elmex Anticaries group. The fluoride content in the superficial enamel layer was significantly increased in both Elmex groups and the Blend-a-med group. Phosphorus solubility was significantly decreased in both Elmex groups and the Blend-a-med group. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that amine fluoride compounds in toothpastes result in a clearly marked remineralization of caries like enamel lesions followed by sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate formulations.