A new operative method for obtaining full-arch prostheses for immediate loading dental implants.

PURPOSE: Implant supported full-arch immediate prosthesis (also called the immediate Brånemark protocol) revolutionized dental clinical practice due to the aesthetic/functional benefits it offers to the patient. This work presents a simplified and efficient technique for implant supported full-arch immediate prosthesis fabrication. METHODS: After diagnosing the necessity of the protocol, the implants were installed with a minimum torque of 35Ncm. For implant impression, the use of previously prepared castable cylinders (dispensing with impression posts), and a U-shaped acrylic (Mello technique) generated a cast without distortion. The Brånemark protocol was fabricated on this cast without the metal test specimen. CONCLUSION: The simplified technique proposed in this article for Brånemark protocol fabrication seemed to be effective.

Comparative histological analysis of bone healing of standardized bone defects performed with the Er:YAG laser and steel burs.

This study compares the bone repair process after ostectomies performed either with the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser or with the low-speed bur drilling. Eighteen rats were used for this study. In the control group, the ostectomy was performed with a low-speed bur drilling. In the experimental group, the ostectomy was made with an Er:YAG laser (500 mJ, 10 Hz). At 7 and 14 days after surgery, the experimental group presented earlier bone repair in comparison to the control group. The experimental group presented an altered layer of approximately 24-microm thickness, whereas the control group did not present any altered layer in the margins of the ostectomies. At 21 days, the histological features of the two groups were very similar, although the altered layer could still be seen. The Er:YAG laser successfully promoted the ablation of the bone tissue, but caused some thermal damage at the margins of the ostectomies.