Medication for Gravid and Nursing Dental Patients.

The topics the authors address in this article are in many ways both broad and narrow. The broadness of this topic is clear when one considers the intersection of 2 of the more complex areas in medicine: pharmacology and obstetrics. Many of the common drugs used by dentists have been found to be safe for breastfeeding women; however, consultation with the treating physician may be needed.

Autogenous bone harvest for implant reconstruction.

Autogenous bone harvest is the gold standard for restoring deficiencies of the recipient site. A deficient site requires adequate grafting before placement of implants; therefore, proper understanding of the wide variety of grafting options is the key to successfully planned implant dentistry. This provides general dentists with a better understanding of autogenous bone harvest and the variety of techniques available to provide the best outcomes for the patient.

Benign cysts and tumors of the paranasal sinuses.

To thoroughly understand the biology of any lesion and render the appropriate management, clear and accurate definitions are paramount. For benign cysts and tumors of the oral maxillofacial region, an accurate depiction of these lesions needs to be elucidated to provide both the treating surgeon and the patient with a clear understanding of the course of treatment and the outcome.

Alveolar bone grafting and reconstruction procedures prior to implant placement.

Before implant placement, adequate bone must be present; this is a fundamental step in treatment planning for implants. Understanding the basics of bone grafting and reconstruction techniques is critical for successful implant placement. Alveolar bone grafting can be very intimidating when first attempted. With careful instruction, education, and practice, grafting can be accomplished by many practitioners. Different methods incorporate similar surgical principles while leading to the development of more advanced grafting techniques.

Sinus lift procedures: an overview of current techniques.

For more than 30 years the maxillary sinus augmentation graft has been a mainstay of implant-directed maxillary reconstruction. The purpose of this article is to review the fundamentals of maxillary sinus reconstruction including anatomy and physiology of the sinus, indications for surgery, preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques, and management of complications. While there are some relative contraindications for the procedure, there are almost no absolute contraindications. With preparation, education, and experience, the maxillary sinus augmentation/elevation graft is a procedure that greatly benefits the patient, with a predictable outcome.

Technological advances in extraction techniques and outpatient oral surgery.

There have been several exciting technological advances in extraction techniques and outpatient oral surgery within the last decade. A variety of new instruments and techniques are revolutionizing the fields of oral and maxillofacial surgery and dentistry. This article reviews the newer innovations in dentistry including the powered periotome, piezosurgery, the Physics Forceps, laser therapy, orthodontic techniques, and use of polyurethane foam.

Lasers and radiofrequency devices in dentistry.

Advances in technology are changing the ways that patients experience dental treatment. Technology helps to decrease treatment time and makes the treatment more comfortable for the patient. One technological advance is the use of lasers in dentistry. Lasers are providing more efficient, more comfortable, and more predictable outcomes for patients. Lasers are used in all aspects of dentistry, including operative, periodontal, endodontic, orthodontic, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Lasers are used for soft and hard tissue procedures in the treatment of pathologic conditions and for esthetic procedures. This article discusses how lasers work and their application in the various specialties within dentistry.

Current treatments and advances in pain and anxiety management.

In light of preoperative and postoperative mortality and morbidity, continued advancement in pain and anxiety management would benefit millions. Although significant strides have been made in the past few decades, it is imperative that research and development continue. This article discusses types of pain and anxiety, the relationship between pain and anxiety, the physiology of pain and anxiety, and current trends in pain and anxiety management.