Effect of Implant-Abutment Connection and Abutment Angulations on Peri-implant Stress Levels: A Finite Element Analysis Study.

INTRODUCTION: Placement of an implant in the maxillary anterior region is challenging due to the angulation of bone in this area. Angled abutments may be used to achieve proper restorative contours. The present study was undertaken to examine and compare the stress levels of implants in the maxillary anterior region having different types of internal connections and different abutment angulations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Implants with three types of abutment connections, internal conical, Morse taper, and internal hex, were modeled using SolidWorks software. Three abutment angulations of 0, 15, and 30 degrees were used for each type of implant. A 100 N axial load was applied to the implants, and the stresses on the implant, abutment, and bone were analyzed by finite element analysis. RESULTS: Among the straight abutments, the most stress was in model 3A (62.60 MPa). The stress value among angled abutments was highest with 30-degree angled abutments. The value was highest in model 3C (94.83 MPa). Internal hex connection showed the highest stress levels in all degrees of angulation of the abutment, and Morse taper connection showed the least amount of stress in all three abutment angles. The most stress concentration was seen in the cortical bone on the buccal surface in the implant-abutment junction. CONCLUSION: The Morse taper design of implant exhibited the least-highest stress levels on the alveolar bone. The stress levels increased with the increasing angulation of the implant or implant-abutment connection.

Achieving Predictable Esthetics With Early Implant Placement and Soft Tissue Modeling: A Case Report and Literature Review.

In the modern era, patients are increasingly concerned about dental esthetics. Edentulism can significantly impact the appearance, occlusion, and self-esteem of the patient. Treatment options like removable dentures, fixed crown and bridge prostheses, and resin-retained bridges are available to replace missing teeth. Implant therapy is popular due to its high success rates and long-term durability. However, its efficacy can be compromised by errors in treatment planning, surgery, tissue care, and infections. Thus, meticulous planning and execution are crucial. Clinicians must have the expertise to manage difficulties during surgery and maintain stable soft tissue. The stability of tissues around osseointegrated implants affects long-term clinical stability and esthetics. Early implant placement is recommended for missing teeth in the esthetic zone, aiming to place implants in anatomically and functionally correct positions for durable and esthetic results. Patients with high cosmetic demands, thin gingival biotypes, and high smile lines pose challenges. Assessing Pink and White esthetics guides treatment planning. Advantages of early implant placement include simplified procedures and reduced post-surgical complications. Soft tissue molding is achieved using customized healing abutments and temporizing with fiber-reinforced resin-bonded prostheses. Customized healing abutments preserve socket width, prevent soft tissue collapse, and promote natural contouring, eliminating the need for secondary surgeries and aiding spontaneous healing. This case report outlines a comprehensive approach to achieving predictable esthetics through early implant placement and soft tissue modeling in a patient with a traumatically avulsed maxillary central incisor.

Dry Mouth Dilemma: A Comprehensive Review of Xerostomia in Complete Denture Wearers.

Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, presents a significant challenge for individuals wearing complete dentures, affecting their oral health and quality of life. This review explores the relationship between saliva and complete dentures, highlighting the varied management strategies for xerostomia. Saliva plays a critical role in denture retention, lubrication, and oral environment buffering. Complete denture wearers often experience reduced salivary flow, aggravating symptoms of xerostomia. Various management approaches are discussed, including general measures such as hydration and salivary stimulation techniques which aim to boost saliva production naturally. The use of salivary substitutes provides artificial lubrication and moisture to alleviate dry mouth discomfort. Oral lubricating devices, such as sprays, gels, and lozenges, offer relief by mimicking saliva's lubricating properties, thereby improving denture stability and comfort. This review addresses the etiology of xerostomia in complete denture wearers and explores preventive measures to reduce its impact. A comprehensive approach has been discussed for the management of xerostomia which will help to improve the oral health and well-being of complete denture wearers experiencing dry mouth.

Occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens and its underreporting in dental teaching environment in an Indian dental school.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were 1) to find out the prevalence of occupational exposures to contaminated biological material among undergraduate students and interns; 2) to find out how many cases of occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens are reported; and 3) to know the reasons for non-reporting of occupational exposures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a Dental School in Navi-Mumbai, India. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was formulated. 210 dental students were given a questionnaire out of which 150 students attending clinical postings in their third year, final year, and internship responded. Approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee. RESULTS: The study revealed a very high prevalence (66.7%) of exposures among the students. Only 12% of the students reported the exposures to the staff. Students from III year and final year BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) had mean exposure of 2.40 as compared to 1.94 among interns. 46% of the students stated that they did not report about the exposure because they thought that injury was of minor nature. CONCLUSION: There is a very high prevalence of occupational exposures among students which are not reported. There is a need for the development of a post exposure protocol which has to be strictly implemented. The principle of infection control has to be emphasised to the students periodically and they should be encouraged to report incidences of exposures to biological material.