Periodontal prostheses have resolved many problems for patients with advanced loss of the periodontium and multiple missing teeth. However, the success of osseointegrated implants has had a dramatic effect on the process of periodontal treatment planning. It has reduced the need to use teeth that are at great risk as abutments. It has also reduced the need for laboratory heroics with extensive units of fixed partial dentures by allowing problems to be addressed individually and then collated into a total treatment plan for the partially dentate patient. This paper addresses those issues and the role of osseointegration in periodontics.

Dental Abutments↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A new animal model for maxillary sinus floor augmentation: evaluation parameters.

This study describes a novel animal model of the maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure used to assess bone formation during 12 weeks in response to a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)/absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) sinus implant. A buffer-ACS implant was used as a control. Animal response was monitored using computerized tomography and physical, hematologic, gross pathologic, and histologic evaluations. The rhBMP-2/ACS implants maintained a relatively constant size postsurgery and showed a time-dependent increase in mineralization. The buffer/ACS control implants failed to mineralize and were resorbed by 4 weeks. The model served effectively and without complication. Results indicate rhBMP-2/ACS implants deserve consideration as alternatives to traditional grafting procedures.

Absorption↗