The design and retentive properties of implant-abutment connectors affect the mechanical resistance of implants. A number of studies have been carried out to compare the efficacy of connecting mechanisms between abutment and fixture.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were: 1) to compare 3 implant-abutment interfaces (external hexagon, internal hexagon and cone-in-cone) regarding the fatigue resistance of the prosthetic screw, 2) to evaluate the corresponding mode of failure, and 3) to compare the results of this study with data obtained in previous studies on Nobel Biocare and Straumann connectors. Materials and MethodsIn order to duplicate the alternating and multivectorial intraoral loading pattern, the specimens were submitted to the rotating cantilever beam test. The implants, abutments and restoration analogs were spun around their longitudinal axes while a perpendicular force was applied to the external end. The objective was to determine the force level at which 50% of the specimens survived 106 load cycles. The mean force levels at which 50% failed and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were determined using the staircase procedure. ResultsThe external hexagon interface presented better than the cone-in-cone and internal hexagon interfaces. There was no significant difference between the cone-in-cone and internal hex interfaces. ConclusionAlthough internal connections present a more favorable design, this study did not show any advantage in terms of strength. The external hexagon connector used in this study yielded similar results to those obtained in a previous study with Nobel Biocare and Straumann systems. However, the internal connections (cone-in-cone and internal hexagon) were mechanically inferior compared to previous results.

Implant-supported rehabilitations show higher patient satisfaction when compared with conventional prostheses. Systemic conditions, however, can affect treatment planning of dental implant supported rehabilitations. The oral structures that are commonly affected in patients with Down syndrome include the tongue (macroglossia), teeth (number and shape), and poor quality alveolar and jaw bones (osteoporotic-like). This clinical case presents an interdisciplinary team approach aimed at achieving functional, phonetic, and esthetic outcomes in a patient with Down syndrome.

PurposeThe classification of impacted maxillary third molars (IMTMs) facilitates interdisciplinary communication and helps estimate the degree of surgical difficulty. Thus, this study aimed to develop a 3-dimensional classification of the position and depth of impaction of IMTMs and to estimate their prevalence with respect to gender and age.Materials and MethodsThis cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed images in sagittal and coronal cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) sections of 300 maxillary third molars. The proposed classification was based on 3 criteria: buccolingual position (buccal, lingual, or central), mesial-distal position (mesioangular, vertical, or distoangular), and depth of impaction (low, medium, or high). CBCT images of IMTMs were classified, and the associations of the classifications with gender and age were examined using analysis of variance with the Scheffé post-hoc test. To determine the associations among the 3 classifications, the chi-square test was used (P<.05).ResultsNo significant association of the classifications with gender was observed. Age showed a significant relationship with depth of impaction (P=.0001) and mesial-distal position (P=.005). The most common positions were buccal (n=222), vertical (n=184), and low (n=124). Significant associations among the 3 tested classifications were observed.ConclusionCBCT enabled the evaluation of IMTMs in a 3-dimensional format, and we developed a proposal for a new classification of the position and depth of impaction of IMTMs.

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a percepção dos acadêmicos de Odontologia em relação ao Teste de Progresso (TP). Após o término do TP, os 284 estudantes do curso receberam um questionário, que abordava a percepção do grau de dificuldade do teste na área básica e específica; a extensão da prova; clareza e objetividade dos enunciados; adequação das informações/instruções fornecidas para a resolução das questões; confirmação da abordagem dos conteúdos durante o curso; estudo dos conteúdos pelos estudantes e avaliação do tempo ofertado e utilizado pelos estudantes na resolução das questões. Empregou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman e análise de correspondência.  Desta forma, observou-se que o grau de dificuldade da prova na área básica e na área específica foi maior nos primeiros períodos e quanto à percepção do estudante em relação à extensão da prova, a maioria considerou adequada, bem como a clareza e objetividade do teste. Quanto à dificuldade na realização do teste, os primeiros períodos relataram o desconhecimento de todo o conteúdo e para os últimos períodos, houve falta de motivação. A maioria dos estudantes respondeu que utilizou entre uma e duas horas para realizar o teste. Conclui-se que a percepção dos acadêmicos demonstra que o TP está sendo realizado de forma adequada. Observou-se ainda que os períodos iniciais relataram desconhecimento do conteúdo, o que corrobora com o objetivo do teste, que é avaliar o ganho cognitivo dos estudantes à medida que avançam no curso.

Numerous factors may keep surgeons from placing implants in the anterior maxilla in order to avoid suboptimal restorative outcomes. This paper describes a technique of an autogenous-free gingival-bone block graft, which allows bone and gingival augmentation and a primary seal to be achieved simultaneously. Additionally, it describes a technique for achieving primary soft tissue closure of maxillary extraction sockets using a rotated pedicle palatal connective tissue flap.