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Reports have documented titanium (Ti) hypersensitivity after dental implant treatment. Alternative materials have been suggested including zirconia (Zr) ceramics, which have shown predictable osseointegration in animal studies and appear free of immune responses. The aim of the research was to investigate the bone-to-implant contact (BIC) of one-piece Zr, compared with one-piece Ti implants, placed in the jaws and femurs of domestic sheep. Ten New Zealand mixed breed sheep were used. A One-piece prototype Ti (control) and one Zr (test) implant were placed in the mandible, and one of each implant (Ti and Zr) was placed into the femoral epicondyle of each animal. The femur implants were submerged and unloaded; the mandibular implants were placed using a one-stage transgingival protocol and were nonsubmerged. After a healing period of 12 weeks, %BIC was measured. The overall survival rate for mandibular and femur implants combined was 87.5%. %BIC was higher for Zr implants versus Ti implants in the femur (85.5%, versus 78.9%) (p = 0.002). Zirconia implants in the mandible showed comparable %BIC to titanium implants (72.2%, versus 60.3%) (p = 0.087). High failure rate of both Zr and Ti one-piece implants in the jaw could be attributed to the one-piece design and surface characteristics of the implant that could have influenced osseointegration. Further clinical trials are recommended to evaluate the performance of zirconia implants under loading conditions.

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than the surgical removal group (19.75 ± 7.89 min; P < 0.05). Incidence of early postoperative complications were low in both groups. Incidence of transient inferior alveolar nerve injury was 2.3% in the surgical removal group. Incidence of early postoperative infection was 2.3% in the germectomy group. Conclusion: Delaying the removal of impacted mandibular third molars until a problem developed, subjects the patient to unnecessary pain, more complex and costly operations with higher risk for postoperative complications. Germectomy is a simple procedure, shorter duration of procedure, leading to a reduction in the incidence of complications.

Actinomycosis is characterised by the chronic, suppurative and cellulitic invasion of soft tissues primarily caused by the bacteria genus Actinomyces. Due to unique anatomical and histophysiologic features of the tongue, lingual actinomycosis is an extremely rare finding. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, it may cause extensive tissue damage. The authors report on an unusual case of lingual actinomycosis in the hopes of aiding the present and future dental practitioners in diagnosing the lesion correctly for appropriate specialist referral and management.